Page 27 - FWG July Issue 2023

Today’s Child

Guiding toddlers towards being less
egocentric
There are many strategies that can help
toddlers through this developmental
phase, which generally starts to recede at
about the age of five as they become more
aware of others’ thoughts and feelings:

• Set boundaries: Boundaries are essential.
No matter how loudly your toddler may
protest, setting limits is for their own
good. Temper tantrums should never go
unnoticed – this, to curb egocentrism.
• Encourage your child to talk about their
feelings. This will also enable them to
understand why they feel the way they
do and that others may feel the same way,
and it will help them to develop a sense of
empathy and caring for others.
• Help them to see other people’s
viewpoints by explaining things to them.
You will be helping them to make positive
connections. Use simple language and
make eye contact with the toddler.
• Model empathetic behaviour towards
others by getting them to observe how
get a turn. Say that you will wait with them. you treat others; they will learn to do the
If they want to cry, that is okay too. Maybe same.
you can interest the child in another toy or • Become gentle and consistent, and don’t
activity while they wait. give up. They will grow out of this phase
• Use a sand timer: It may be difficult for and will need your support in order to do
the toddler to understand that they will so.
get their toy back. A timer can help them • Read stories together and discuss
to visualise the time until they are reunited the different characters, their distinct
with the toy. personalities and points of view – this will
• Proactive modelling: Be proactive and help your child develop the skills to apply
use everyday opportunities to share. When this thinking to real playmates.
you are eating some grapes, offer some to
your child and explain what you are doing People who are egocentric often display
to help them understand the concept. a lack of empathy. They make decisions
• Let them try: Allow toddlers to play and that benefit only their own needs and are
try to work things out for themselves. unable to recognise the needs of others.
Intervene only if you have to. They focus only on their own thoughts and
• Positive reinforcement: Acknowledging opinions, and find it difficult to connect
your child’s attempts to share will go a long with others. The result? They find teamwork
way towards motivating and reinforcing and collaboration difficult.
their behaviour.
• Sharing games: An excellent way to teach That’s why it’s crucial that you don’t ignore
sharing is through turn-taking games such or indulge this phase. You need to help
as peek-a-boo and playing simple board shape your toddler to become a well-
games like snakes and ladders – or any rounded, empathetic person. Be patient –
game where players have to take turns. they will eventually get there.

Fourways Gardens • 25 • July 2023