Which behavior is characteristic of toddlers during development?

Toddlers are at a stage of development characterized by significant emotional growth and expression. During this period, they begin to recognize and express their feelings more openly. This behavior includes showing joy, frustration, anger, and affection in various ways. Free expression of emotions is a hallmark of toddler development, as they are learning to navigate their own emotional landscape and communicate their needs.

While some toddlers may begin to understand simple instructions, their cognitive development is not yet sophisticated enough to grasp complex ideas or follow multi-step directions reliably. Maintaining structured routines can be beneficial for toddlers; however, their ability to adhere to them is not as consistent as it will be in later developmental stages. Similarly, social interactions in toddlers are typically more focused on immediate play rather than mature social exchanges, which involve more nuanced understanding of social cues that develop later in childhood.

Thus, the characteristic behavior that best represents this phase of development is the open expression of emotions, allowing toddlers to explore their feelings and the world around them.