Observation of Reciprocal Interactions in Toddlers

Psychologist Michelle L. Pilati, an instructor at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California, defines reciprocal interaction as examining the way two people react to and influence each other. Observing reciprocal interactions in toddlers involves observing the child with parents, teachers and other children. It might also involve observations at various times or locations. Studies and formal write-ups might include both normal toddlers and toddlers who have one or more disabilities.

  1. Sharing as a Reciprocal Activity

    • According to the article "Foundations of Cooperation in Young Children," by researchers Kristina R. Olsen and Elizabeth S. Spelke, young children can share with others by age 2. They are more likely to share with parents than with strangers, but some seem to have an unfailing spirit of generosity. They point out that reciprocity is influenced by seeing other people share, and can sometimes be an indirect activity. Sharing is one of the pillars of adult cooperative activity, and is apparently influenced by interactions going back to early childhood.

    Reciprocity and Generosity

    • In "Foundations of Cooperation in Young Children," by researchers Kristina R. Olson and Elizabeth S. Spelke, the authors describe three trials in which children give dolls small tokens, after listening to a story. The researchers found that when the resources equaled the number of dolls, the children tended to distribute them evenly, but a shortage of resources existed, they gave more items to "helpful" dolls rather than to unhelpful ones. They explain that this is an example of indirect reciprocity, and that children tend to be more generous with those who are generous with them.

    Children in Child Care

    • "Children's Relationships with Other Children in Child Care," by psychologist Sara Gable, from the Missouri Families website, notes that healthy toddlers between the ages of 18 and 24 months engage in complementary and reciprocal play. They talk together about their toys, exchange smiles and make eye-contact. She adds that the children develop relationships independent of the caregivers, and that the children know which other children enjoy certain types of play. Thus, a child that wants to ride the tricycles in the day care center might seek out a different child to play with than a companion with whom she might play dress-up.

    Adult Examples Teach Reciprocal Activity

    • A paper from the Administration for Children and Families, titled "Quality of Caregiver-Child Interactions for Infants and Toddlers," lists positive traits in caregivers as including sensitivity to the children's needs and positive regard or warmth. As with the study described by Olson and Spelke, authors note that toddlers learn by imitating others, both adults and peers. When they are given examples of caring, they tend to be more caring. The paper, a literature review, emphasizes that adults need to respond to the children, as well as expecting a response.

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