FIGURING OUT ME!
Toddlers are figuring out what it means to be their own person, separate from mommy and daddy: “Who am I?” The discovery of self includes having one’s own desires and becoming an active agent, “I can make things happen!” Not surprisingly, much of their play is steeped in this developmental task.
Toddlers often need to have-it-all. There is great satisfaction in collecting and carrying objects—filling baskets or cloth bags with small toys, pushing toy strollers filled with more than just baby dolls. Their collections can range from cars, small blocks or animals to sticks, rocks or toilet paper rolls.
Learning about ‘Who I am and what I want’ is the essential first step before a child can recognize the needs and wants of others. What looks selfish is actually part of becoming ‘Me!’ By collecting what she sees or desires, the toddler is saying, “This is mine. This is what I need and like right now.” Fulfilling her needs provides the toddler with security and comfort, a necessity before they can recognize and reach out to others.