Support your toddler's development of awareness of self as separate from others. For example, if your child wants to label their cup, provide space and materials to do so. 1.Lally J.R., & Mangione P. (2006). The uniqueness of infancy demands a responsive approach to care. YC Young Children.;61(4):14-20.
Children who have greater self-awareness of their abilities are more confident and have better self-esteem.
A study on the use of possessive pronouns was carried out with 66 British toddlers. Researchers observed the toddlers in their homes over two visits 6 months apart when toddlers turned 18, 24 or 30 months. The study showed that the ability to use possessive pronouns (such as "mine"), which emerges between 18 and 24 months, unfolded when children developed the concept of self and others. The use of possessive pronouns was initially associated with physical aggression.
However, children who used possessive pronouns at the first visit were significantly more likely to share objects with their peers 6 months later. The finding suggests that general conversational competence and the particular ability to talk about the possession of objects may facilitate positive relations with peers.