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

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self

Goal: Children demonstrate a positive sense of self-identify and self-awareness.

Skill Progression: Awareness of self through emotional expressions and verbalizations

Age: 15-18 Months

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Observe the child when someone tries to take a favorite toy or object.

The indication of possession is most likely to occur with a sibling or a peer. Having only one toy out, one of the child’s preferred objects, will stimulate sharing and exclamation of ownership.

Listen for “mine” or “my…”

Although fights over possession are frustrating for parents, tell parents the positive side is that the child is declaring a sense of what belongs to her. This is also an opportunity to acknowledge ownership, but encourage sharing and playing together.