Emotional Development of a Toddler
Toddlers are incredibly
self-centered. You may observe a few of these behaviors: refusing to
share, temp tantrums, biting or hitting.
Most toddlers are
intense at least part of the time. They can be extremely happy,
extremely sad, and extremely angry all within 15 minutes. If your
child's temperament is intense, you're likely to see temper
tantrums. If your child is quiet, you may see clinginess or whining.
It's all part of the same developmental process. Your child is
trying to work out how to behave around others. Your help with
soothing ruffled feelings and calming angry tantrums is a huge plus
for your child's development.
By the time your
child reaches 3 years, he or she is able to take turns in games,
show affection for playmates, understand "mine" and "his" and
"hers," and show more self-control. Your child also begins to show
concern for others.
Your child becomes
more aware of pleasing or displeasing you during the toddler years.
Somewhere around 3, toddlers show emotions such as shame,
embarrassment, pride, guilt, and even envy. Self-awareness is a
major emotional milestone. Now your child knows that you have
expectations and knows whether he or she is living up to them. This
is the first step toward the development of conscience.
