01 Emotional Development
At one year old, toddlers continuously oscillate between independence and dependence. Now capable of walking and doing things independently, they have the ability to actively engage in activities to develop new skills. However, they haven't fully adapted to being independent individuals yet and still prefer not to completely separate from you and the other people they rely on, especially when tired, sick, or scared. They seek comfort and reassurance from you during such times to drive away loneliness.
02 Shy Children
Some toddlers naturally feel fearful of strangers and new environments, exhibiting extreme shyness. When participating in group activities, they may withdraw initially, observing from the sidelines before eventually joining in. They resist trying new things if forced and cling to family members when encountering strangers. For parents who want to encourage bravery and independence in their children, this behavior can be quite frustrating. However, forcing or criticizing them will only make shy children feel more insecure.
The best approach is to allow children to act at their own pace. Give them the time they need to adapt to new environments and hold their hand when they need more comfort. Encourage them when they show bravery. If you react calmly to their behavior, outsiders are less likely to ridicule them, allowing them to build confidence more quickly. If the child continues to exhibit such behavior, you can discuss it with a pediatrician who may provide advice and, if necessary, refer you to a child psychologist or child psychiatrist. You can't predict when they will ignore you or run back to seek protection in your arms. Their attitude changes quickly, sometimes behaving mature and independent for a while, then suddenly regressing. Some call this stage "the first adolescence," reflecting toddlers' conflicting feelings about growing up and breaking away from your protection, which is entirely normal. The best way to help them settle down is to give them enough attention and comfort when needed. Asking them to "act like a big kid" will only make them feel more insecure and more dependent on you.
03 Aggressive Children
Some toddlers may express frustration through aggressive behavior before the age of 2. They want to control everything happening around them. If they don't get what they want, they may resort to violent behavior like kicking, biting, or hitting. If your child exhibits such behavior, you should closely monitor them and establish strict rules. You can channel their energy into positive outlets through games and physical exercise. If they manage to end a game without any conflicts with other children, be sure to praise them.
In some families, aggressive behavior in toddlers is seen as a precursor to becoming a bad person later on. These families believe that when such behavior occurs, parents must correct it sternly. The best way to teach children to control their aggressive impulses is to communicate your expectations beforehand, praise them for friendly interactions with other children, and maintain a firm and consistent approach to their misconduct. Similarly, all family members should serve as good examples for the child to follow, emulating the behavior of parents and older siblings. Sometimes, besides verbal education, you may need to use other methods to correct a toddler's misbehavior, such as using the time-out technique or positive redirection.
Brief separations help toddlers become more independent. However, they may still be affected by separation anxiety and may fuss for a while when you leave (although only for a few minutes), but it shouldn't last too long. You should try not to let them see you upset as they might continue to cry if they think it will make you stay. You might want to slip away quietly, but doing so may make them clingier, as they might feel you could suddenly disappear again next time. Therefore, when separating, you should kiss them, say goodbye, assure them that you'll be back soon, greet them warmly when you return, spend some quality time with them, and then attend to other household chores or work. When children understand that you will definitely return and still love them just as before, they will feel reassured.
01-Year-Old Toddler Language Development Milestones:
·Increased independence.
·Occurrence of oppositional behavior, especially in the presence of some familiar adults.
·Enhanced separation anxiety around 18 months, gradually diminishing afterward.