Toddlerhood: 1-2 years

During toddlerhood, children begin developing independence and stronger emotions. They may want to do things by themselves, such as feeding themselves, choosing toys, or saying “no.” Social-emotional milestones include showing affection to familiar adults, playing near other children, copying adults and peers, showing separation anxiety, and beginning to express feelings such as anger, happiness, fear, or frustration.

Toddlers may also have tantrums because they are still learning how to manage big emotions. They begin learning simple rules, routines, sharing, and taking turns with adult support. As Ivrendi (2025) explains, “The first years of life are essential for children’s development of self-regulation” (p. 293). These milestones help toddlers build confidence, trust, self-control, and early relationships. Adults can support this growth by using calm routines, modeling appropriate behavior, and helping toddlers name and manage their feelings.

Children's Behavior 

Toddler social-emotional milestones can affect classroom behavior and learning because toddlers are still learning independence, self-control, and how to express feelings. In the classroom, they may say “no,” want to do tasks by themselves, or become upset when they cannot communicate what they need. They may have tantrums, cry during transitions, or struggle with sharing and taking turns.

Toddlers often play near other children instead of playing directly with them, so teachers may need to guide peer interactions. These behaviors can affect learning because toddlers may need short activities, clear routines, choices, and calm support. With patience and consistency, teachers can help toddlers build confidence, follow directions, manage emotions, and participate in classroom activities.

Strategies or Activities for Teachers

1. Emotion Picture Cards

Teachers can use picture cards with faces showing happy, sad, mad, scared, or frustrated. Toddlers can point to a card to show how they feel. This helps them learn emotion words and gives them a safe way to communicate feelings.

2. Practice Sharing and Turn-Taking

Teachers can use simple games, blocks, or toys to practice sharing and waiting for a turn. The teacher can model phrases like, “My turn” and “Your turn.” This helps toddlers build patience, social skills, and positive peer relationships.

Strategies Families Can Use at Home

Families can support toddler social-emotional development by using simple routines and consistent expectations. For example, parents can give toddlers choices like, “Do you want the red cup or blue cup?” This helps build independence while still keeping limits.

Families can also practice naming feelings at home. When a toddler is upset, an adult can say, “You feel mad because you wanted the toy.” This helps the child connect words to emotions.

Another helpful strategy is practicing calm-down skills, such as taking deep breaths, hugging a stuffed animal, or taking a quiet break. This teaches toddlers healthy ways to manage big feelings.