Exploring the stresses and dangers substitute mothering may pose to a toddler's personality development, this paper points out behavioral hallmarks of toddlerhood, describes the main developmental tasks toddlers have to master, and discusses factors that facilitate healthy development during this phase. Special emphasis is given to the most crucial factor: the role of the mother-toddler relationship. Subsequent discussion focuses on ways substitute mothering may affect the primary mother-child bond, what happens when the separation of mother and child overtaxes the mother's and the child's stress tolerance and interferes with their relationship, and how substitute mothering can be adapted to lessen inherent stresses and perhaps avoid ill effects. (RH)