18-24 Months: Child to Child -- Observation Record

How does the toddler play with other children?

Toddlers watch and play briefly with other children, often imitating them. They may play together for brief periods, though they can become quite possessive and demanding, and still need adult support and direction as they play.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Take what she wants–watch for a while and then grab the shovel from a peer who is digging in the sand.
• Try it out–run across the play yard waving her arms and screaming "Yiiii!" behind another child doing the same.
• Pretend with another child–sit down to "eat" at the table with another child in the dramatic play area.
• Give in–let go of another child's truck only after that child yells loudly.
• Follow her impulses–watch another child build a stack of cardboard blocks, then push it over.

How does this toddler play with other children? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler show her awareness of how other children feel?

Toddlers are inconsistent in their awareness of other children's feelings. Sometimes they show empathy, and sometimes they act possessive, using words like "No!" or "Mine!" Their response to other children depends largely on the way the adults who care for them behave socially.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Comfort a friend–pat another child on the back and say, "All right, all right," when the other child cries after his mommy leaves.
• Add to a friend's project–add a block to another child's block structure when that child stops to look around.
• Help a friend–help a classmate look for her lost doll.
• Give a hug–throw her arms around a friend as he sings a song.
• Protect what's hers–shout "No!" when another toddler comes near her while she's holding a cracker.

In what ways does this toddler react to the feelings of other children? (Include dates.)