Normal Development:

• Look to other people’s emotions before acting (8–15 months)

• Looks at what kind of response they will get from their caregiver to different behaviors (8–15 months)

• Wants their primary caregiver above all others (8–15 months)

• Begins to recognize themselves when they look in the mirror or at photos (15–24 months)

• Gets nervous when leaving their caregiver (12–18 months)

• Likes to plays alone (18+ months)

• Copies others, especially by coughing, sneezing, or making animal sounds (18–24 months)

• Enjoys when people watch them and clap for their good behavior (18+ months)

What You Can Do:

• At the end of the day, talk about what activities they did and help them remember

• Sing a nighttime song and name all the people that love them before they go to bed

• Catch them “being good” and let them know that you noticed

• Show pictures of family and help them get to know faces they don’t see a lot

• Point out when they are angry/sad/happy to help them start to understand emotions

• Make playdates with other children

Our Advice:

• Try not to pay attention when you notice your child doing something naughty, just to see your reaction

• It is okay for your child to feel uncomfortable in certain social situations. Try not to force them to be friendly

• Babies aren’t quite ready for sharing at this age. They are still learning how to play with other babies. That’s why playdates are important.

Try not to compare yourself to other parents or your baby to other babies. Every family is different.

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