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How are You Doing?
Building Your Toddler's Social Skills By Alexandria Powell
By about 18 to 24 months of age, toddlers often enjoy being with other children. But don't expect them to immediately play with their newfound friends, says Dr. Glasser. "At this age, toddlers still engage in 'parallel play' [which is] playing next to or near other children but not necessarily playing with them," she says. "That's OK because your curious toddler is still learning many social cues from being in the company of other children."
Occasionally, toddlers leave playtime with bite marks and bruises. While aggression horrifies parents, it's normal. The peak time for hitting, kicking and biting begins around 18 months of age and can last until about 28 months of age. "Getting [feelings and desires] out in a way that other people understand is difficult for toddlers," says Goff. "The one thing they can really work well is their body. They can hit, they can kick, they can bite."
Luckily, aggression should decrease as verbal skills increase. "For most kids who have good communication, who really learn how to talk and how to say, 'I want that toy,' this period can be brief," says Goff.
Of course, if hitting and biting are excessive and don't diminish over time, if language skills aren't developing or if you have other concerns about your child's behavior or development, you should seek professional guidance.
Finally, remember that your toddler learns most from watching you. "Treat your baby with love and kindness," says Dr. Glasser. "Be patient, supportive and respectful to your baby and others in your life. Be a good role model." The results can be wonderful.
"When my 89-year-old grandfather sneezed and my 2-year-old son looked up from his crayons and said, 'Bless you, Zayde,' it was one of the most amazing moments for me," says Jessica Schmiedchen of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. "Watching him interact and genuinely care about his great-grandfather made me really proud of him."