What is a common behavior in toddlers within the autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage?

During the autonomy vs. shame and doubt stage, which occurs roughly between 1 and 3 years of age, toddlers begin to assert their independence and explore their own identity. This developmental stage is crucial as children seek to develop a sense of self and control over their environment.

Choosing their own clothes is a significant behavior during this stage as it reflects a toddler’s desire to express autonomy and make personal choices. By selecting their own outfits, toddlers demonstrate a budding sense of independence, as they start to form preferences and make decisions for themselves, which builds their self-esteem and sense of agency. This choice-making is a key aspect of their development; it shows that they are moving away from the dependence of infancy and are beginning to navigate their own likes and dislikes.

Other behaviors such as seeking validation from adults or imitating older siblings may occur, but they do not encapsulate the core essence of this stage as closely as the act of choosing clothing. Seeking validation can often be a behavior tied to earlier development, and while imitation is essential for learning, it does not illustrate the autonomy that this stage emphasizes. Playing solitary games also does not address the urge for independence in the same way. Thus, the act of choosing their own clothes is particularly aligned with the concepts