1. Social Development Toddler and Preschool Years

2. Social Development: Toddlers Gradually learn how to get along with others –First with their family members and later with others (known as socialization)

3. Socialize: Parallel Play By 18 months, children begin growing independent from their families. Begin socializing at the park, play areas or day care centers. Toddlers often Parallel Play – –playing next to or near another rather than interacting with each other.

4. Learning to Understand Others By 2, toddlers begin to understand and interact with others. Can begin to read and understand the feelings of those they are around on a regular basis. Find it fun to have others to play with and/or around, but still parallel play As speech abilities develop, begin to socialize in order to interact with others

5. Me! Me! Me! Children of this age often have “me” syndrome, where they don’t take others into consideration. Can often get into disputes with other children over toys. Conflicts often lead up to screaming, hitting, biting, or hair pulling.

6. Starting to Share… After 2 they begin to learn about the rights of others Begin to use the concept of sharing but only if they want to Still parallel play – works best if there are only 2 children – if more kids, it tends to lead to more disagreements

7. Cooperation is Key! 3 year olds begin to become more involved with others Want to share, help and do things with others Begin Cooperative Play where they actually play with one another.

8. Cooperation is Key! Will engage in activities with others such as playing with blocks, cars, dolls or puzzles. Will continue to work beside others as well. Families are still important, but other children become important

9. Compromise = More Fun! Play becomes more complex and begins to have dialogue Disagreements occur less because 3+ enjoy playing with others, so they are willing to compromise more Willing to share more to keep others happy

10. Will You Be My Friend? Children begin making friends after age 3 Some kids may need some coaching on how to meet and play with other children if they are shy It is important for children to interact with others their own age The longer interaction with other children is held off, the harder it is for children to adjust

11. Imaginary Friends!! Toddlers develop imaginary friends Some have one, some have multiple imaginary friends Can appear as early as 2, but are more common between 3 and 4

12. Imaginary Friends!! Some parents fear this is a “bad” thing, but is normally the opposite Can be a way for children to express their feelings Shows signs of thought processes and imagination

13. Decisions = Consequences Parents and caregivers need to help toddlers make decisions and realize the consequences of their decisions Help them to choose good behavior Instill self-discipline Gradually develop a conscience

14. Autonomy Develop Autonomy or independence – want to do things on their own Can let children try or experiment doing things on their own but adults still need to guide and supervise Make sure tasks and expectations are realistic

15. I can help! Can begin to have tasks assigned to them – simple things like cleaning up their toys, dressing themselves, setting the table or sweeping Make sure to have patience with them!

16. Ouch! Dealing with behavioral problems can be difficult Biting, kicking, temper tantrums, and hitting are considered behavioral issues at this age May tie to emotional development Adults need to understand the root of the problem before being able to solve http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7VSd/ikea-leo-proof

17. Social Development: Preschoolers 4 year olds form friendships with their playmates Spend their time in cooperative play Begin playing in groups of 3 or 4 Can now share easily and take turns Can be bossy and inconsiderate at times

18. You are a……… 5 year olds tend to be outgoing and talkative Can play in groups of 4 or 5 Play becomes more complicated Name calling can begin at this stage when there is a disagreement

19. Joey got a red card today! 5 years old begin to have respect for others’ property Begin to pay attention to what others are doing and saying Don’t want to stand out and possibly face ridicule Gossiping can begin at this age – talk to others about classmates and friends

20. I want that. Give it to me! Relationships of 6 year olds is often characterized by frictions, threats and stubbornness Don’t always want to share their own toys Begin to develop and show signs of being jealous of what others have

21. You’re my BFF. Develop “best friend” relationships BF’s tend to be same sex, though 6 year olds play in mixed groups Enjoy group play, including team games Don’t have or realize team concept – if they tire of a game or activity, they will just stop

22. Competition = Good? Competition…good or bad? Some believe it is good because –it leads to realistic roles –it stimulates individual drive and effort –Can promote higher standards –Gives kids a realistic view about their abilities and interests –Helps children excel

23. Competition = Bad? Competition…good or bad? Some believe it is harmful because –It pits children against each other at a young age –Instills the idea that you always need to outdo each other –Can lead to hostile relationships –Can discourage some to not try or not participate

24. Cooperation = Good Preschool age prefer cooperative play to competitive play Need to learn to not compare themselves to others, but to themselves Become less dependent on their families Develop and act on their own thoughts