What Are Some Typical Behaviors That Toddlers Sometimes Display?

Jan 19, 2022

At 24 months

My child likes to do two incompatible things simultaneously, such as holding their teddy bear while carrying many things.
My child sometimes resists my hugs but will come when they are ready.
My child likes to please their family members and me.
My child sometimes gets overly clingy- this might be seen more when they start daycare, a new routine or when someone new comes into their home.
My child likes to watch, imitate, and repeat words and actions that others say.
My child plays next to other children most time but not with them directly. This is because your child is still in their Solitary stage of playing.
My child speaks with a mix of made-up words and actual words.
My child seems to copy the new baby in the house. This is your child’s way to get and keep their attention.
My child sometimes likes to use baby talk or do “baby things” and thinks it's funny.
My child is sometimes mean and rough with their sibling, a new baby or a pet.

My child sometimes has difficulty tolerating different textured foods.
My child has difficulties settling and may wake up often during the night.
My child's behaviours are often not consistent. This is due to your child's inability to anticipate the consequences of their actions.
My child touches their genitals sometimes- this is part of self-discovery.
My child seems to think everything belongs to them. They say “mine” and “no” very often.
My child is becoming more defiant and will do things they are asked not to do. However, parents should still be consistent and tell their children what unacceptable behaviours are.
My child seems to like one parent more than the other.
My child sometimes gets mad and throws toys. Parents should talk and model safer things to do when the emotion of anger arises.
My child sometimes does not want to interact with either parent.
My child prefers to get comfort from one parent more than the other when they get upset.
My child seems not to care about danger.
My child does not want to go to daycare sometimes. This is normal if your child just started a new center.
My child has difficulty being separated from you within new environments, but it settles after a while.
My child watches new people and children before interacting with them.

My child touches, holds or plays with their genitals sometimes. This is part of self-discovery.
My child acts out when frustrated.
My child likes to change the words of songs with silly or bathroom words.
My child talks to themselves.
My child has developed sudden fears and phobias of the dark or thinking there is a monster under their bed.
My child still has tantrums. However, they should be getting less frequent and should last shorter due to your child building their self-regulation skills.
My child has more washroom accidents when stressed.
My child sulks when they don’t get their way.
My child shows jealousy when attention is given to other children.
My child still has a few bathroom accidents.
My child wants to do and try many things on their own.
My child still has trouble with sharing. Model turn-taking to them.
My child sometimes gets overly clingy.
My child seems to be regressing with a new baby at home. This is your child’s way of holding their place within the family. They are jealous and want to keep your attention on them.
My child asks "why" constantly, even though they don’t listen to the answers.
My child confuses real situations with make-believe events.
My child has an imaginary friend (s).