Mini you, mini them – what your toddler is learning from watching family and friends

Have you noticed you have a ‘mini me’ next to you sometimes? Your toddler copying little movements and actions made by you or other family members is incredibly cute and often very funny. Being able to imitate the actions of others is a fascinating stage of development for so many reasons... 

Your toddler is now bringing together cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills when copying the movements of others. 

They are demonstrating that they have the skills and concentration to: 

• Watch and listen to those around them 
• Process what they see and hear 
• Attempt to copy using physical movement, facial expressions and language 

Seeing others work and play helps your toddler connect actions, emotions and movements. You may start to see them carrying out the things they see and hear when they play.  

Copying is brilliant for helping your toddler build independence, creativity and awareness of others.  

Your toddler is becoming aware that the people they know all behave differently and they will try their best to copy what interests them.  

Spending time with older siblings, cousins or friends helps your toddler to learn about others. Toddlers usually enjoy spending time watching and copying what older children do and how they play. 

Copying is one way your toddler learns about the people around them, and about themselves.   

Remember that things your toddler sees and hears can be replayed again at any time. 

A word to the wise: be mindful of the things you say and do while you are with your toddler. Although sometimes seeing and hearing them say and do funny things can be quite amusing at home, it’s not always the case when you are out in public!