This guide for parents discusses social competence in 2-year-old children, drawing upon anecdotal data to provide a sampling of 2-year-old children's social behavior and their parents' child rearing techniques. The data were collected from questionnaires, telephone interviews, and home visits in a 12-month study of the interactions of 86 2-year-olds and their families. Chapter I discusses the various ways in which 2-year-olds explore their environment: visual exploration, manipulation of various kinds, early efforts at drawing and building, and explorations with movement. Chapter II describes different styles of pretending and explores the role of the adult in encouraging imaginative play. Chapter III describes three major facets of early language development: learning to listen, learning to speak and learning to converse. Throughout the chapter, suggestions are made for enhancing language development. Many illustrative photographs are included in each chapter of the guide. (Author/MP)