Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Emotional and Social Development (ESD)

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self with Others

Goal: Children demonstrate the social and behavioral skills needed to successfully participate in groups.

Skill Progression: Behavioral regulation

Age: 12-15 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 12-15 Months.

Watch the child as he explores the environment.

No elicitation needed, but the adult may place off limits items within the child’s reach if needed.

When reprimanded, the child looks down and shows a sad expression, then looks up to see if he is still in trouble.

Laying out what is acceptable and what is not is an important message for parents. Help them understand that they mentor the child’s understanding of right and wrong from infancy. Gentle guidance is needed, nurturing, but firm. Facial expression carries a lot of the message. Yelling isn’t needed. Tell parents to make sure the child can see their face when they talk to him to get the whole message. Yelling from a distance doesn’t work!