Acknowledgements - gapitc

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One year olds have short attention spans. They may participate in activities only
briefly. Encourage your child, but do not insist that he stay with an activity longer
than he chooses. Older one year olds will “stick with it” longer than younger ones.
Label feelings and actions for your one year old so he will learn the words to attach
to his emotions.
One year olds display their feelings with actions because they do not know any other
way to do so. Sometimes these feelings can be intense and they may throw things or
hit. Describe your child’s feelings and set clear limits calmly—“You are angry, Bobby.
We can not throw toys when we get angry.” Then redirect your child to another
activity, or have him sit with you quietly for a few minutes to calm down.
When your child is playing with a friend or sibling, watch them carefully and try
to intervene before they act inappropriately. If you see one child getting angry, for
example, try to help her solve the problem before she acts out her anger.
One year olds are easy to redirect. If you see your child getting frustrated, offer him
something else to do that you know he will enjoy.
Do not expect one year olds to share. When your child is playing in the same space
as a friend or sibling, have more than one of the same type of toy to avoid disputes
(two dolls, trucks or many blocks, for example). If two children want to play with
the same toy, offer one of them a similar toy instead.
You can expect your one year old to play by herself or next to another child, rather
than playing “together.”
When a friend comes to your home to play, greet the child by name when she
arrives and say goodbye when she leaves. Encourage your child to do the same and
say “hi” and “bye.”
Remember that you are a role model in helping your child learn to play with other
children and resolve conflicts. He will imitate your actions, tone of voice, and the
words you say to other children and adults.
Try to maintain a calm atmosphere in your home. Strong emotions can be
frightening to children.