18-24 Months: It's About Trust -- Observation Record

How does the toddler show that the presence of familiar adults helps her do things on her own?

Toddlers need to see the adults who are important to them as they play. Although their increased mobility allows them to be more active and self-reliant, they are easily scared by the new world now open to them. They need trusted adults nearby so they can feel safe.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Gain courage–try the slide at the park, but only after sitting beside her caregiver for a while.
• Stay close–bring toys to an adult and pile them on his or her lap, instead of playing in the other room.
• Try again–come back to where her caregiver is sitting, stand there briefly, and then go back to the sand pile.
• Show she needs you–go off to explore something while a familiar adult is sitting nearby, but begin to cry when that person moves toward the door.
• Take a comforting look–glance at a caregiver for reassurance and then go off to play with friends in another room.

How does this toddler show that the presence of familiar adults helps her do things? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler respond to new people?

Some toddlers are fascinated by new people and things, and others are cautious and unsure. For many, their reactions depend on the kind and the amount of their experiences with new people, as well as their support from the adults who care for them.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Hold on for support–reach for a caregiver's hand when the salesclerk says hello.
• Act afraid–cling to a familiar adult for a long time at a children's gathering, before approaching other children.
• Jump in, yet hold back–rush to open the door but wait until the family member says hello before greeting the person at the door.
• Follow a grown-up's lead–pat the kitten sitting in an unfamiliar adult's lap after watching a caregiver do it.
• Show cautious curiosity–go over to see the man fixing the kitchen sink, but not say hi until the parent comes in.

What does this toddler do around unfamiliar adults? (Include dates.)