What is a common social-emotional behavior in toddlers?

In the context of social-emotional development, toddlers are often observed testing boundaries as they begin to assert their independence and learn about their environment. This behavior is a critical part of their development, as it reflects their growing sense of self and an understanding of social limits. During this stage, toddlers experiment with rules and behaviors to see how caregivers and others will react, which helps them establish their identity and understand social norms.

Testing boundaries can include acts of defiance or exploration, such as refusing to follow directions or trying out different ways to interact with others. This behavior serves not just to explore limits but also to engage with caregivers in a dynamic that can foster learning and emotional growth.

In contrast, behaviors such as sharing toys are typically less common in this age group. Sharing often requires a level of social awareness and empathy that toddlers are still developing. Making friends may not yet be a primary focus for toddlers; their play is often parallel rather than interactive. Lastly, playing alone is not abnormal for toddlers; however, it does not reflect the proactive social-emotional development seen in boundary testing. It is through these boundary-testing behaviors that toddlers can explore their social environment and grow emotionally.