Observe the child during play-time.
During play with the child, the adult may take one of the child’s toys or do something the child doesn’t like. This may prompt a protest or statement of possession.
The child imitates the labels the adult uses.
The child is beginning to understand that her words have power over others. She uses words to assert herself and control others’ actions. Let early childhood educators and parents know that this is typical and using these words helps the child learn boundaries for herself and others.
 North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 2015
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