Relatively little research has examined associations between maternal mind-mindedness and emotion regulation among toddlers from low-income families. This study investigated the relation between maternal mind-mindedness and toddlers’ emotion regulation and the roles of toddler sex and temperament in this association. Data were collected for 139 mother–toddler dyads (mothers Mage = 22.34 years, SD = 4.97; 78.5 % White; toddlers 50.7% girls) from low-income families when the toddlers were 14 months and 24 months old. Maternal mind-mindedness was coded from observation of mother-toddler play tasks and reflected mothers’ appropriate or non-attuned mind-related comments. Research staff rated toddlers’ emotion regulation during a standardized task in the home. Structural equation models showed that maternal appropriate mind-related comments at 14 months were significantly associated with toddlers’ emotion regulation at 24 months after controlling for maternal sensitivity. Effects were most robust for toddler girls. Temperament did not moderate the relation between mind-mindedness and emotion regulation. The study’s findings suggested that toddlers’ emotion regulation may be supported by maternal appropriate mind-related comments on toddlers’ mental states.
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