Page 13 - IFV Issue 7_2023

Today’s Child

ladders – or any game where players
have to take turns.

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
too. Maybe you can interest the child in others by getting them to observe how
another toy or activity while they wait. you treat others; they will learn to do
• Use a sand timer: It may be difficult the same.
for the toddler to understand that they • Become gentle and consistent, and
will get their toy back. A timer can help don’t give up. They will grow out of this
them to visualise the time until they are phase and will need your support in
reunited with the toy. order to do so.
• Proactive modelling: Be proactive • Read stories together and discuss
and use everyday opportunities to share. the different characters, their distinct
When you are eating some grapes, offer personalities and points of view – this will
some to your child and explain what you help your child develop the skills to apply
are doing to help them understand the this thinking to real playmates.
concept. People who are egocentric often display
• Let them try: Allow toddlers to play a lack of empathy. They make decisions
and try to work things out for themselves. that benefit only their own needs and are
Intervene only if you have to. unable to recognise the needs of others.
• Positive reinforcement: Acknow- They focus only on their own thoughts
ledging your child’s attempts to and opinions, and find it difficult to
share will go a long way towards connect with others. The result? They find
motivating and reinforcing their teamwork and collaboration difficult.
behaviour. That’s why it’s crucial that you don’t
• Sharing games: An excellent way to ignore or indulge this phase. You need to
teach sharing is through turn-taking help shape your toddler to become a well-
games such as peek-a-boo and playing rounded, empathetic person. Be patient –
simple board games like snakes and they will eventually get there.

The Villager • Issue 7 2023 • 11