What is the term for the child's emerging sense of self during toddlerhood?

The term that best defines the child's emerging sense of self during toddlerhood is self-concept. This stage is crucial in the development of a child's identity and is characterized by the child beginning to recognize themselves as a distinct individual, separate from others. During this period, toddlers start to form their beliefs about who they are, including their preferences, abilities, and social roles.

Developing a self-concept involves a combination of self-recognition, such as being able to identify oneself in a mirror or photo, and an understanding of personal characteristics and attributes. This process indicates a cognitive shift where toddlers begin to integrate experiences and feedback from their environment, shaping their understanding of themselves in relation to the world around them.

In contrast, self-awareness typically refers to the recognition of one's feelings and thoughts, self-esteem reflects an individual's evaluation of their worth, and self-regulation involves controlling one's emotions and behaviors. While these concepts are related and develop alongside self-concept, they do not specifically define the foundational sense of identity that emerges during toddlerhood.