More tips from Dad School. Being social creatures, we share a deep need to belong. Early in our development, the need to belong manifests through objects. If you've ever taken a two-year old's favorite toy then you've seen this need in action. Toddlers can get locked between tasks when they don't belong to anything. This is when many meltdowns occur. Quite often, during a transition or when they are feeling nervous, my kids will reach for an object. My son (2.75) loves to pick up a rock when he's transitioning. I have a pile of rocks and sticks at my front door.
Parenting with Objects and Belonging
Parenting with Objects and Belonging
Parenting with Objects and Belonging
More tips from Dad School. Being social creatures, we share a deep need to belong. Early in our development, the need to belong manifests through objects. If you've ever taken a two-year old's favorite toy then you've seen this need in action. Toddlers can get locked between tasks when they don't belong to anything. This is when many meltdowns occur. Quite often, during a transition or when they are feeling nervous, my kids will reach for an object. My son (2.75) loves to pick up a rock when he's transitioning. I have a pile of rocks and sticks at my front door.