20 Strange Toddler Behaviors That Are Actually Normal
To adults, toddlers can display behavior that may seem strange, annoying, or even wholly perplexing. Still, their behavior is precisely standard for their developmental level. These are twenty unusual child behaviors that, believe it or not, are typical.
- Tricia Quitales
- 6 min read
Toddlers are in a stage of great growth and development. Hence, many actions that seem weird or annoying are indicators of normal, healthy development. They will show many inquisitive actions as they strive to grasp their feelings and investigate the environment. Understanding, consistency, and patience will enable them to negotiate this fascinating stage of life and help you remain sane along the way!
1. They Insists On Doing The Same Thing Over And Over
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Toddlers often enjoy repetition, whether viewing the same cartoon episode or asking you to relate the same narrative. This improves their learning by helping them grasp patterns and sort the data. For them, repetition also provides comfort and allows them to take control of their surroundings.
2. They Tantrum Over Little Things
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Toddlers experience intense emotions they may not yet know the language or techniques to control. Often, a means of expression is a breakdown over something as small as a broken cookie or mismatched sock. These emotional flashouts are part of learning emotional control and coping mechanisms.
3. They Don’t Share, Initially
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Although it can be annoying when your child doesn’t want to share their toys with others, this is a normal phase of social development. Toddlers at this age are still developing their sense of “mine” and ownership. Under direction, they will start to see the need for sharing.
4. Conversations With Their Self
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Toddlers typically converse with imaginary acquaintances or narrate their actions while playing. This “self-talk” supports learning by helping them sort their ideas. As kids investigate language, problem-solving, and social connections, it’s evidence of cognitive development.
5. They Objectify Transitions
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Toddlers may become uncomfortable with sudden changes, including discontinuing an enjoyable activity or changing their location. Since they live on habit and predictability, this aversion to change is a natural reaction. They will learn to adapt over time, particularly with regular change planning.
6. They Are Obsessed With One Thing
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Young children can become fixated on one topic or thing for an extended period, from trains to dinosaurs to a particular stuffed animal. This significant concentration is quite natural as kids learn about the world around them. These obsessions often change with time to allow other interests to take the front stage.
7. They Create Messes on Demand
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To watch what occurs, toddlers could purposefully spill food, toss toys out of containers, or play with mud. Their curiosity and desire to explore their surroundings drive this behavior. Making a mess lets kids explore cause and effect, sensory experiences, and creativity.
8. They Ask “Why?” Relentlessly
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Though it seems limitless, one of the ways young children investigate the world is by asking, “Why?” They grasp cause-and-effect links and try to understand how things work. Their cognitive development and world curiosity depend on this stage, which is also vital.
9. Even If It’s Impractical, They Want To Dress Themselves
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Your child may insist on wearing mismatched clothing or placing their shoes on the wrong foot. Their search for control over their decisions indicates increasing independence. This need for autonomy is a good developmental milestone, even if their choices might not always make sense.
10. They Imitate Everything You Do
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Little imitators, toddlers typically copy your behavior—from brushing your hair to cooking dinner. This conduct helps them pick up social conventions, values, and talents. By copying, children learn about their surroundings and grow close to caregivers.
11. They Form Attachment to Particular Objects
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Toddlers sometimes develop deep bonds to objects like blankets, stuffed animals, or specific toys. These comfort items enable people to manage anxiety or unfamiliar circumstances by giving them a feeling of security. This era aids in their navigating the difficulties of growing up.
12. They Neither Want Help Nor Want to be Left Alone
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Sometimes, your toddler acts clinging, needing you nearby, but then pushes you away when you try to help. Their rising longing for freedom, mixed with their devotion to you, causes them to swing back and forth. Everything revolves around them learning how to balance security and autonomy.
13. They “Forget” Their Conduct
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Your child might interrupt talks without any thought or dismiss “please” and “thank you.” Since they still lack complete social grace, this conduct is a natural aspect of social growth. Helping kids grow in civility and manners calls for time and constant modeling.
14. They Eat Very Little or Only One Thing in Phases
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One week, your child eats everything in sight, and then they scarcely touch their food the following week. This pickiness is natural and related to their changing sense of independence and growth patterns. Usually, periodic variations in appetite are not cause for concern as long as they gradually increase.
15. They Want to Play by Themselves
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Toddlers typically want alone play even as they are learning to interact. This does not mean they are antisocial; instead, they are honing their abilities in a solo environment—those of imagination and problem-solving. Social play will progressively rise as they age and have more ease socializing with peers.
16. They Lie or Tell Tall Tales
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Your child might create stories or say things like they can fly or saw a unicorn—things that aren’t true. Their comprehension of truth against fantasy shapes their imagination growth as well. They are investigating creative thinking and narrative techniques rather than lying to fool you.
17. They Get Too Fixed to a Particular Routine
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A sudden demand to do everything in a specific sequence or according to a predetermined schedule is common among toddlers. Predictability comforts them; hence, they can object to any modification of their routines. Their inclination to routine gives them comfort in an otherwise erratic environment.
18. They Go Through Meltdowns About Small Changes
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If anything small changes—such as the location of their preferred cup or a new toy—a youngster may go crazy. Toddlers who experience unexpected disturbances to their surroundings often find these meltdowns about comfort and control. They will grow more flexible in managing change as they age.
19. They “Test” Your Limits
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Toddlers who say no, challenge rules, and disobey directions often push limits. This is a component of their increasing consciousness of their freedom and the planet’s limits. Though it may try your endurance, this is a typical stage where they learn about consequences and self-control.
20. They Have Separation Anxiety Or A Fear Of Strangers
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Toddlers often become afraid or clinging around strangers or when you leave the room. This affects their need for security and their growing attachment to you. As their social confidence increases, they will develop more quickly in novel circumstances and with new people.