The Second Year: Theory of Mind

Developing theory of mind (or understanding that other people have minds, feelings, and goals separate from your own) supposedly takes off around a child's second birthday. These first sparks of rudimentary empathy are exciting and certainly worth recording.

As of his second birthday:
* Soren hides where I can't see him,
* offers favorite food to others (especially his brother),
* uses words like please, thank you, you're welcome, and bless you,
* complies with simple requests,
* understands the necessity of a trade-off,
* asks for help when he can't accomplish something on his own,
* and does not take toys from other children.

This is an area that Soren is really blossoming in right now and I am excited to see what the next year will bring.

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