30-36 Months: It's About Trust -- Observation Record

How does the toddler show that familiar adults are important to her?

Toddlers imitate their regular caregivers and are influenced by their characteristics and values. Although toddlers may manage separation more easily than when they were younger, they continue to depend on their caregivers' presence, consistency, and comfort.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Copy your concern–pat her stuffed animal on the back, imitating the comforting techniques she's learned from the way she's taken care of.
• Run for comfort–return to her caregiver for safety when she hears a sudden loud noise, such as a car backfiring.
• Pretend to be you–dress up to look like a familiar adult, and act out things she has seen that adult do.
• Insist on friendly support–refuse to take off her shirt for the doctor to listen to her chest, unless her caregiver holds her hand.
• Copy adult language–use the slang or words she has heard adults use, especially angry words.

How does this toddler show that familiar adults are important to her? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler respond to new people?

Older toddlers are attracted to new experiences, but rely on their sense of the familiar and expected when dealing with new people or situations. They are supported by the structure and familiarity of daily routines, and by the support and closeness of their caregivers.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Let a familiar story make it easier–take one of her favorite books over to the new caregiver for him or her to read.
• Show off–show a classroom visitor the new sneakers she's wearing for the first time.
• Trust the neighbor–become excited about going to the park with the next-door neighbor, rather than refuse because someone other than you is taking her.
• Try something new–finger paint for the first time, even though a new teacher is sitting at the table.
• Do as you do–hug a grandparent she hasn't seen for a long time, imitating her mom's greeting.

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