Social / Emotional

Children 19-24 months generally are able to do the following:

• May show strong preference for primary caregiver(s) and experience separation anxiety but are showing attempts to self-soothe  
• Shows empathy when others are upset or hurt (e.g., rubs peers back, offers a favorite toy/hug, or alerts a caregiver)
• Looks to see your reaction in a new situation
• Moves away but always looks to see where adult is 
• Broadens circle of familiar adults 
• Plays near other children, while each participates in separate activities
• Begins to pretend play (e.g., drinks from a toy cup and pretends to pour)
• Pretends an object is something else, such as using a block as a phone or small box as a hat
• Shows excitement in seeing preferred playmates 
• Frequently asserts, “No!” to control environment and express opinion 
• Stops or changes activities when requested with adult help 
• Looks at other children playing and chooses the same activities