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

Subdomain: Developing a Sense of Self with Others

Goal: Children form relationships and interact positively with familiar adults who are consistent and responsive to their needs.

Skill Progression: Separation

Age: 18-21 Months

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Observe the child in interaction with the adult within daily routines.

No elicitation needed.

Says, “I do it,” even when they can’t. The child wants to get into everything and resists controls, but still seeks reinforcement and contact with the adult.

The demand to do things independently is an important sign that the child is becoming a capable little person. This is hard for parents who like being the adult. Help parents understand that competence comes from trying and failing and things don’t have to be done perfectly to learn from them. Encourage parents to let children do as much for themselves as they can, even if it is just a small part of a task.