Live Interactive Chat

September 9, 2003

Using Words and Emotions to Avoid Two's Commotions

Deb Medlyn
Head Teacher, Child Development Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Biography
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• Questions & Answers (Transcript)

This Chat centers on ways to encourage positive social-emotional interactions. Two-year-olds model everything adults do. They do not, however, have the same moral development as older children or adults; therefore, they do not have a mature understanding of empathy. But if adults model caring for others, they will begin to see this behavior in 2-year-olds. Adults can identify prosocial and antisocial behavior by observing children’s play. By encouraging 2-year-olds to verbally express their feelings and avoid aggressive behavior, adults can promote children’s healthy social-emotional development. Learn more about this topic from the answers to questions such as, “What are some typical ways toddlers act when they are angry?” “My child squeals so loudly that people cover their ears. How can I get her to lower her voice?” “Are there ways a parent can prevent or avoid some common toddler "scenes" (e.g., tantrum in the grocery store)?”

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