From Biting to Hugging: Understanding Social Development in Infants and Toddlers

From Biting to Hugging: Understanding Social Development in Infants and Toddlers
by Donna Wittmer, PhD, and Deanna W. Clauson

• Aren't infants too little to notice and learn from other infants?
• The toddlers in my room are always grabbing things from each other. What should I do?
• I saw a toddler give a crying child a toy. How can I help toddlers do that more often?
• The two-year-olds in my room are always saying, "Mine," when they are playing with a toy and another child approaches. Is this normal?
• I have a two-year-old in my room who screams when other children come close. How can I help her?

The infant-toddler years can be challenging. Teachers, parents, and caregivers need strategies to help infants and toddlers feel safe, secure, loved, lovable, and happy. Little ones need adult help to learn how to be in healthy, enjoyable relationships.

From Biting to Hugging offers strategies to help caregivers teach the littlest children prosocial behaviors and techniques to deal in developmentally appropriate ways with challenging behaviors such as biting and hitting. Learn how infants and toddlers develop socially and emotionally and discover ideas for nurturing:

• Self-regulation
• Skills for joining in play
• Expressing needs and emotions
• Conflict-resolution skills
• And so much more!

Donna Wittmer, PhD, is associate professor emerita of early childhood and early childhood special education in the School of Education at the University of Colorado, Denver. She earned her doctorate in child, family, and community studies at Syracuse University. A prolific author, she has written dozens of articles and books on early childhood development. She is a sought-after speaker and presenter worldwide.
Deanna W. Clauson is a freelance writer. She earned her bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She writes articles for Colorado publications, grant applications, and case studies for the University of Denver.