Toddler socialisation

Toddler socialisation

12 - 24 months:

Toddlerhood is a whole new ballgame. While your toddler is now a lot more curious about the world, he can only understand it in terms of how he fits into it. Your toddler will begin to enjoy the company of his peers but will be unable to understand how to share or take turns, which can make play dates fraught with unpredictability … friends one day, enemies the next! He'll also want to do things his way, which can lead to defiance and tantrums.

24 - 36 months:

You may not have thought it possible, but between 2 and 3 years, your toddler may seem even more self-centred than his younger self; he isn't yet capable of empathising with those around him, so can appear to be uncaring. But as he matures, he will learn how to share and take turns, and find one or two like-minded 'special' friends.

  • If separation anxiety becomes an issue, stay calm.

    Don't feel concerned that your toddler is developing anti-social tendencies - it's all part of his normal development. Rather than pushing him out of your arms and into situations that he is clearly unhappy with, take the slow approach and try to make him feel more comfortable with the idea of spending time without you by introducing him to other carers while you stay around.
  • Invite a friend around for a play date.

    Yes, there will be issues with sharing and taking turns, but the best way your toddler will learn to get on with others, is by spending time in the company of other children. If you ensure that you are always monitoring the play (and quickly step in if things get a bit heated!), and that there are enough toys to share around, he should be able to enjoy the company of his pals without too much stress.
  • Toddlers are, by nature, self-centred.

    Sharing is a learned skill that can take years to master, so don't be surprised if your toddler can't manage to do it gracefully. At this age, he is only focussed on his wants and needs, and how other people impact on him. He hasn't matured enough yet to show any empathy, so don't be surprised if he shows little regard for those around him. This is a good age though, to model the manners that you expect from him as he gets older.
  • Get him connected with other kids.

    There's no better way to hone your toddler's social skills than in the rough and tumble of group activities. So join a playgroup or gym class - anything that he enjoys where he can spend time focussing on a joint activity with his peers.

This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include Kid's Life.

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Nutritious first foods

  1. Apple and mango puree
  2. Apple and raspberry porridge
  3. Apple and raspberry puree
  4. Apple yoghurt
  5. Apple, pear and cinnamon puree
  6. Apricot chicken
  7. Baby bolognese
  8. Baby crispbread
  9. Baby guacomole
  10. Baby porridge
  11. Baby spaghetti bolognese
  12. Baby yoghurt
  13. Baby's first apple puree
  14. Baby's first vegetable purees
  15. Baby's rice pudding
  16. Baked custard
  17. Banana and avocado puree
  18. Banana oatmeal breakfast
  19. Banana pudding
  20. Banana teething biscuits
  21. Banana, raspberry and mango sorbet
  22. Bean, pea and potato puree
  23. Beef and vegetable dinner
  24. Beetroot and chickpea dip
  25. Beetroot and potato puree
  26. Blueberry, pear and raspberry swirl
  27. Boiled eggs
  28. Broccoli trees
  29. Broccoli, pear and pea puree
  30. Carrot and swede puree
  31. Carrot, corn and chicken
  32. Chicken and corn chowder
  33. Chicken, rice and vegetables
  34. Creamy sweet corn puree
  35. Delicious chicken dinner
  36. Easy beef casserole
  37. Easy chicken casserole
  38. Egg and vegetable omelette
  39. Eggless baby cereal cookies
  40. French toast soldiers
  41. Fruit jelly
  42. Fruit puree
  43. Fruity chicken and rice
  44. Homemade baby oat cereal
  45. Homemade brown rice cereal
  46. Homemade cheese sticks or cubes
  47. Homemade cottage cheese
  48. Homemade teething rusks
  49. Homemade yoghurt
  50. Hot corn cereal
  51. Lamb and pumpkin
  52. Nutritious teething biscuits
  53. Pea and zucchini puree
  54. Peach and mango mash
  55. Peachy chicken
  56. Pear and apricot puree
  57. Pear and rice puree
  58. Pear, peach and banana puree
  59. Penne pasta
  60. Pikelets
  61. Pumpkin and potato mash
  62. Pumpkin and spinach risotto
  63. Red egg
  64. Rice and lentil dinner
  65. Roasted pumpkin puree
  66. Steamed and julienned carrot sticks
  67. Stewed prunes
  68. Sweet corn and avocado puree
  69. Sweet potato and sweet corn mash
  70. Sweet veggie puree
  71. Weet-Bix custard
  72. Weet-Bix with apple and cinnamon
  73. Zucchini, potato and spinach mash