Relationships Quick Answers
What do toddlers understand about divorce?
A major difference between infants and toddlers is that
toddlers can use language to express thoughts and
feelings. Even though toddlers are learning to use
language, there are many things they don't understand.
Toddlers understand that one parent is not living in the
home, but they do not understand why. They also do not
understand time. For example a toddler may ask, "When is
Daddy coming?" and the parent may reply "You will see
Daddy on Thursday." The child may ask the same question
two hours later, because he doesn't understand how long
it is until Thursday. This can be very frustrating for
parents because toddlers will often ask the same
questions over and over again. It is still important to
answer your toddler's questions, but to know that your
toddler doesn't really understand even after you explain
it. Try to see the world through your child's eyes.
Imagine what it is like to be in a confusing place where
you often don't understand what is going on and have
limited ability to express your thoughts and feelings.
For toddlers, the support of an adult who knows them
well, understands their thoughts and feelings, and helps
them express those thoughts and feelings makes a world
of difference.
Source: Kim Leon, Ph.D., Former Human Development and Family Studies, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia
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Last update: Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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