MATERNAL INTERVENTION IN TODDLER PEER CONFLICT - THE SOCIALIZATION OF PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE

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. Thirty-two 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.