At Discovery & Adventure Zone Inc., we often say that toddlers are truth-tellers. They live fully in the moment, express themselves honestly, and show us exactly how they feel—without filters or the social tools we adults take for granted. It’s beautiful. And sometimes... it’s loud, messy, and even a little bit pushy.
Recently, a parent of a new child asked a question that many quietly wonder: “Is he aggressive?”
He’s two and a half. I gently smiled and replied, “Yes. All of mine are.”
In early childhood, what may appear as “aggression” is often simply communication in its rawest form. At two or three, children are still learning how to share space, how to ask for a toy, how to handle frustration, and how to be part of a group. They don’t yet have the language or regulation skills to manage big feelings on their own—and that’s exactly where we come in.
At DAZI, our Reggio-inspired philosophy encourages us to see behavior as a window into a child’s thinking and emotional world. We don’t label or punish—we observe, reflect, and respond. When conflicts arise, we see them not as disruptions, but as opportunities for learning and connection.
Our teachers stay close, monitoring interactions and stepping in early with gentle redirection. We might crouch beside a child, offering words they can borrow: “You wanted a turn. Let’s ask.” We model calm, respectful behavior. We guide hands to touch gently. We set clear, consistent boundaries without shame. And, above all, we help children name and make sense of their feelings.
This work takes time. It takes trust. And it takes the belief that every child—even the one who hits, pushes, or throws—deserves to be seen not for what they do in a moment, but for who they are becoming.
As caregivers and educators, we don’t expect toddlers to be perfect. We expect them to be learning. Just like us.
So if your child is figuring out how to “do” feelings, you’re in the right place. We’re here to help them learn how to be in relationship with others, how to express their needs with respect, and how to discover their place in the world—one patient, meaningful moment at a time.
Rosetta
