Years 2-3

Full range of emotions evident⁴¹

May be aggressive toward other children and break toys⁴¹

Enjoys presence of others³³

Shy around strangers³³

At times child may hoard and not share, while in other situations may share toys, cooperate in games, andhelp others^33,41

Understands needs of others³³

Laughs at combinations of incongruous events and use of words⁴²

Increasing desire to imitate peers^{33, 43}

Looks to adults to see if they appreciate success in an occupation⁴³

Shows empathy, physical anger, remorse and affection⁴¹

Conveys emotion with whole body including complex facial expression⁴¹

Has visual and spatial fears (dark, movement) ⁴¹

Develops ability to adjust emotional responses to fit others emotions⁴¹

May have full body tantrums, may begin to recover by self⁴¹

Knows rules, standards and cultural values of family⁴¹

Able to be a leader or follower⁴¹

Shares feelings about emotions of self and others⁴¹

Requests adult help⁴¹

Beginning to form friendships⁴¹

Fluctuations in behavioral characteristics described as periods of equilibrium/ disequilibrium; tend to cycle between periods of challenging behaviors and pleasant demeanor every 6 months (18 month old disequilibrium due to lack of words to express wants;

2 years may be on more even keel; 2.5 years may be bossy, rigid, oppositional, etc⁷⁶