Final answer:
At 18 months, toddlers show increased autonomy, engage in parallel play, and start asserting their preferences, though they may struggle with sharing. Children are developing language skills and show both separation anxiety and signs of independence. Development continues at an individual pace and is marked by increasing social interaction and understanding of play dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Developmental Milestones: Social Behavior and Play at 18 Months
At the age of 18 months, children are in an important phase of social and play development. At this stage, toddlers exhibit a burgeoning sense of autonomy and begin to engage more directly in play activities, though sharing can still be challenging. They may start to exhibit preferential treatment for certain toys or play activities and begin to assert themselves in social scenarios. It's also a time when they start to practice parallel play, that is, playing alongside another child without engaging directly with them.
Children at this age begin to understand simple commands and gestures, and they may show behaviors that indicate they are developing a sense of self, such as self-recognition in a mirror. Emotionally, separation anxiety and attachment to parents are common, yet they might also show signs of independence, often asserting the word "no," which reflects their growing self-awareness and personal preferences.
As they move beyond 18 months towards their second birthday, toddlers will continue to develop their language skills, which will, in turn, help them engage more actively in social situations and play with a better understanding of sharing, cooperation, and following simple rules. However, parents and caregivers should be aware that all children develop at their own pace, and these milestones are general guidelines rather than strict timelines.