24-30 Months: It's About Trust -- Observation Record

How does the toddler show that your presence helps him do things on his own?

Toddlers often switch between trying to be in charge and needing the closeness and comfort of their caregivers. Even though they sometimes seem unwilling to accept help, they need help, praise, and approval from trusted adults.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Take a big leap–jump from a footstool onto a pile of pillows on the floor, as long as his caregiver is nearby.
• Look for swing support–move toward the swing at the playground, then ask his caregiver to come too.
• Cling for comfort–tightly hold his caregiver's hand until the noise from the siren fades away.
• Strive for independence–push away his caregiver's helping hand and continue to climb to the top of the slide by himself.
• Slide with support–climb to the top of the slide, but call for his caregiver to stand beside him before he slides down.

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

How does the toddler respond to new people?

Toddlers can find new people and places both exciting and scary. Some seem to worry more now in new situations than when they were younger. Sometimes they are very willing to try new things, while other times they need comfort and encouragement to feel safe.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Speak with hesitation–tell his new caregiver his name, though only in a whisper.
• Hold on for safety–cling to his caregiver's pants leg when introduced to someone new.
• Take a minute–stand off to the side to look the situation over when visiting a new classroom, or watch for a while as a group of older children play in the sand pile.
• Inspect from a distance–watch as his dad talks to an unfamiliar person, while continuing to play with his trucks.
• Look for comfort–ask his caregiver to carry him as they go into the busy laundromat.

How does this toddler react to new people? (Include dates.)