| Parents of toddlers face an endless series of | | | | One potential barrier to playtime success is bossiness. |
| challenges. However, as the third year of life begins to | | | | It is quite normal for toddlers at this age to be |
| unfold, it becomes increasingly easier for parents to | | | | ego-centric. It is good for parents to know that this is a |
| understand their child's personality and how to deal | | | | stage that usually passes. Still, it is important to teach |
| with their individual idiosyncrasies. | | | | the toddler about good manners and empathy. Giving |
| By the age of 32 months, most toddlers are engaging | | | | the child a few simple choices can also foster a sense |
| in some form of parallel play. Parallel play refers to | | | | of control, which makes the child less likely to act out in |
| playing alongside another child, rather than interacting | | | | the form of egocentric behavior. |
| with the child in a game or other activity. Solo play also | | | | Another new development that might occur around |
| remains common at this stage, so parents should not | | | | the age of 32 months is crybaby syndrome. Children |
| be alarmed with the toddler engages in both solo and | | | | often use crying as a form of emotional expression. |
| parallel play. | | | | This, too, is usually a phase that will pass for most |
| Eventually, the child will begin to form his or her own | | | | children. However, some children are more sensitive |
| friendships. This may occur sooner rather than later | | | | than others, so this can also be an indication of the |
| depending on how much interaction the toddler has | | | | toddler's personality. |
| with other children his or her own age (for instance, if | | | | Parents of a 32-month-old should consider each |
| the child attends daycare of preschool classes). | | | | change as it happens and do their best to prepare for |
| Parents should always be sure to encourage budding | | | | the changes that still lie ahead. |
| friendships. | | | | |