If you watch a group of 14 month old children together, you’ll probably notice that none of them pay each other much attention at all. That’s because toddlers at this age don’t really realise that those other children are potential friends. In fact, rather than other people, they see those other kids more as objects.
The only time you’re likely to see your child interact with another child is when it’s to tussle over a toy that you both want. This is completely normal though, and all those other 14 month olds are exactly the same – they don’t realise that other people have feelings too. In fact, they’re pretty much completely self absorbed. It’s not selfishness though. It’s just how everyone sees the world at this age.
The important thing is to make sure that your child has time to spend with other children, so that eventually, he or she will learn that they are other people, and that they can play together.
If you don’t have other children your toddler can learn to play, and share, with, then a playgroup or crèche can be a good idea. It’s a safe environment, where everything belongs to everyone, and where sharing is the name of the game.
Over time, your child will gradually learn that he can play with other kids, and that it’s more fun if they play together, than argue about toys!
The only time you’re likely to see your child interact with another child is when it’s to tussle over a toy that you both want. This is completely normal though, and all those other 14 month olds are exactly the same – they don’t realise that other people have feelings too. In fact, they’re pretty much completely self absorbed. It’s not selfishness though. It’s just how everyone sees the world at this age.
The important thing is to make sure that your child has time to spend with other children, so that eventually, he or she will learn that they are other people, and that they can play together.
If you don’t have other children your toddler can learn to play, and share, with, then a playgroup or crèche can be a good idea. It’s a safe environment, where everything belongs to everyone, and where sharing is the name of the game.
Over time, your child will gradually learn that he can play with other kids, and that it’s more fun if they play together, than argue about toys!