The Power of Parenting

Wednesday, 23 September 2020

Social Development: 19 to 24 Months





Social Development means being able to make friends and get along with others, work as part of a team and be a good leader. These skills are all built on self-confidence, cooperation and trust.



Typical Skills


  • Enjoys playing alone for a few minutes, e.g., building blocks, drawing, looking at books
  • Shows ownership or possession of objects and cannot share easily
  • Says ‘no’ and likes to do things without help
  • Helps with simple household chores


Emerging Skills


  • Distinguishes herself as a separate person, contrasts herself with others
  • Begins to be toilet trained
  • Puts on simple clothing without help





Comfort


If you do this:






  • Use everyday routines (e.g., walks, meal times) as a time to talk about family and friends
  • Follow your child’s lead rather than direct the play; suggest things, but let your child decide what she wants to do
  • Begin to participate in a conversation and describe the people in his life
  • Begin to develop a sense of control about what she does and feel that you value her efforts

Play


If you do this:






  • Look at photos of family events so your child can find himself and identify family members

  • Set up a water play activity with another playmate; give them dolls, sponges, and towels
  • Learn to recognize and name family members and think about his relationship to them
  • Develop and practice social skills, like sharing and turn-taking, while enjoying a soothing sensory activity

Teach


If you do this:






  • Prepare your child ahead of time for new social events, e.g., “At playgroup we will sing songs and listen to stories”
  • Let your child help with chores, e.g., wiping spills, putting clothes in drawers
  • Learn what to expect ahead of time and be able to handle new situations

  • Participate and discover his capabilities