Acknowledgements - gapitc

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Friendship Fort
When your child has a friend (or sibling) to play with, set up a cozy area that is
large enough for two children.
For example, make a “fort” by covering a table with a bed sheet and putting
some comfortable pillows there. Or turn a large box on its side and put pillows
in it. (Be sure nothing is on top of the table after you cover it.)
When the children go inside they might take a book, a small toy, or stuffed
animal.
Some two year olds will enjoy the privacy and go in to play next to their friend.
Others will go in and begin to play together. Still others will not choose to go
inside at all.
Read books to your child about feelings and how to express them such as Hands
are not for Hitting by Martine Agassi, Ph.D., or How are you Peeling? by Joost Elffers.
Instead of reading every page, you can skip some or just show the pictures and
tell what the book is about.
Make positive comments to your child when she is playing and working well with
another child and when they comfort one another.
If you have more than one child, ask your two year old to help you comfort a
brother or sister who is upset.
When your child displays inappropriate behaviors, try to figure out what the
behavior is telling you. Is he scared, angry, lonely, over-stimulated? Help him learn
what to do when he has these feelings.
Teach your child to“use your words” to describe feelings.Help her learn the words
that match the feelings.
Remember that you are a role model in helping your child learn to play with
others and resolve conflicts. Your child will imitate your actions, tone of voice, and
the words you say to other children and adults.