24-30 Months: Child to Child -- Observation Record

How does the toddler play with other children?

Toddlers like to be near other children and enjoy small-group activities. They imitate one another and may form specific friendships within small groups of familiar children. They continue to need adult help to settle arguments.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Go for a social ride–drive his car along in the play yard, calling "Beep-beep!" to the child driving ahead of him.
• Share sometimes–sometimes hold onto his toy when another child asks for it, but at other times give it up.
• Be pushy–push another child away from the slide, so he can climb the steps first.
• Invite a friend for dinner–put plates on the table in the dramatic play area, and ask another child to come sit down for dinner.
• Act "grabby"–grab a toy car away from another child and refuse to give it back.

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

How does the toddler show he is beginning to understand how other children feel?

Toddlers are aware of others' feelings and may try to comfort children who are sad. However, in the heat of a disagreement they continue to need adult support to understand what is happening and to realize that someone else's needs are involved.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Feel another child's unhappiness–look sad or upset when the child whose tricycle he grabbed starts to cry.
• Learn self-control–listen as the caregiver explains that hitting hurts and that he or she will help him use words next time.
• Hear his friend's protest–reach for a crayon another child is using, but stop when that child objects.
• Be sympathetic–say, "Sorry," when his friend's painting rips after they try to take it off the easel.
• Be a friend–hug a child who's crying because she can't have the toy she wants.

In what ways does this toddler show awareness of how other children feel? (Include dates.)