Maternal intervention in toddler peer conflict: The socialization of principles of justice.

Abstract

The focus of this research was mothers' interventions in object conflicts between toddler peers. Maternal consistency in endorsing principles of ownership and possession was evaluated. Thirtytwo 20-or 30-month-old children were observed playing with same-aged, same-sex peers for 18 40-min sessions. Mothers of both children were present and free to respond to their children but were asked not to organize or direct the children's play. We found that mothers frequently intervened and that they overwhelmingly favored the other child; however, mothers of boys supported their own children more than mothers of girls. Additionally, mothers were not consistent in endorsing rights of either ownership or possession and thus did not provide coherent information for the children's acquisition of principles of entitlement. Rather, mothers' interventions appeared to be aimed at restoring harmony between the children by urging their own children to yield to their peers.

Changes in externalizing and internalizing behaviours over a school-year: differences between 6-year-old boys and girls

“…Also negative feedback may act as positive reinforcement and thus counteract teachers' intentions to reduce such behaviours. Furthermore, compared to girls, boys might be more encouraged by their parents to assert themselves in conflicts with other children (Ross et al, 1990), which could contribute to the development of externalizing behaviours when boys come together in large groups of same aged children.…”

The gradual emergence of sex differences in aggression: alternative hypotheses

“…Observations of young children reveal that parents are more likely to tolerate aggression when it is shown by a boy (Martin & Ross, 2005). Girls, as opposed to boys, are more likely to be required to relinquish their claims to an object in dispute (Ross et al 1990). Perhaps because of such pressures, in conflicts with mothers, siblings and friends, girls are more likely to show submissive behaviour (Dunn & Herrera, 1997).…”

Property rights and the resolution of social conflict

“…Children in the peer study were twenty and thirty months old; they were initially unacquainted, but visited one another eighteen times in the course of a three-month period, alternating homes with each visit (Ross, Tesla, Kenyon, & Lollis, 1990). Ownership depended almost totally on whose home the children were playing in.…”