A recent study found that young toddlers engage in a form of cost-benefit analysis when deciding whether to help someone. According to University of Washington psychology professor and lead author Jessica Sommerville, 18-month-olds can make choices based on how much effort they want to expend, or on whether they like the people involved. That kind of cost-benefit analysis, she said, can guide the development of early prosocial behavior, such as helping and sharing.
Watch the video below from our friends at ZERO TO THREE on what developmental milestones you can expect from your toddler, including how to support thinking skills!