Supporting Toddler’s Social-Emotional Development

How parents of toddlers can support social-emotional development

printable document – from agesandstages.com

For more information on child development and developmental check-ups, visit our Ages and Stages page.

Respond to your child’s needs

• Understand your child’s nonverbal communication and know how to respond.
• Understand your child’s verbal communication and know how to respond.
• Support your child’s emotional needs.
• Use positive comments and language with your child.
• Successfully redirect your child’s inappropriate behaviors.
• Understand why your child engages in inappropriate behaviours and know how to modify the environment.

Provide predictable schedule/routines and an appropriate environment for your child

• Provide a mealtime routine for your child that is predictable and appropriate for your child’s age.
• Provide a rest and sleeping routine for your child that is predictable and appropriate for your child’s age.
• Provide your child with predictable limits and consequences.
• Take time each day to play with your child.

Provide a safe home and play environment for your child

• Do a safety check at home to make it safe for your child.
• Have a safe way to transport your child.
• Provide your child with safe care and supervision.
• Provide access to regular medical and dental care for your child.
• Know how to manage your feelings of anger and frustration that come up when you are with your child.

Provide activities that match your child’s development level

• Provide your child with books, toys, and playthings that match your child’s developmental level.
• Know the age-appropriate games that your child enjoys.