Social learning – your toddler’s eyes are on you

American author Robert Fulghum said, “Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you.”  

This can be a useful thing to remember as your toddler grows and develops – they learn not only when you feel like you’re teaching them something, maybe when playing or chatting, but also by watching what you do every day.  

What is social learning theory? 

We learn in different ways, one of which is social learning – a theory that was described by psychologist Albert Bandura.^[1]  

It tells us that children and adults learn to do lots of things by copying; you might notice this as your toddler plays: they will do things that they have seen you and other people doing.  

Who will your toddler copy? 

Interestingly, children have an idea of the importance of different people.  

Your toddler is more likely to copy adults or older children who they perhaps see as being more important than children their own age.  

It is good to be aware that your child will be learning about what to do in different situations from what they see you and the other people around them doing.  

Reference: 
[1] Bandura, A. (1971). Social Learning Theory. General Learning Press.