Title: ‘Why does my toddler … ?’ Your kiddo’s most confounding behavior, decoded In today’s fast-paced world, parenting a two year old can be quite an adventure. From morning cuddles to refusing favorite muffins and the daily struggle of putting on shoes, it often feels like we are playing emotional ping pong with our little ones. This is because toddlers aged one to three years experience rapid changes in their feelings and behavior, which can be challenging for both parents and children alike. According to pediatric psychologist Roger Harrison, these fast-changing emotions and defiant behaviors are a part of the developmental process that helps build your child’s sense of self and understand their place in the world. While this may seem frustrating at times, it is essential for parents to remember that such behavior is normal during this stage of development. Harrison suggests reframing these boundary-pushing behaviors as a means of social and emotional learning. By understanding the ‘why’ behind certain actions and placing them within an appropriate developmental context, parents can address their child’s behavior strategically rather than emotionally. This approach allows for better management of tantrums and power struggles that arise from these emotions. Toddlers at this stage are rapidly developing language skills, cognitive abilities, and motor functions while also realizing they are unique individuals separate from their caregivers. As a result, they need to test boundaries in order to establish independence. Harrison explains that part of figuring out who we are involves learning it “in opposition to all the things in the world.” In conclusion, understanding the ‘why’ behind your toddler’s behavior is crucial for parents looking to manage their child’s emotional development effectively. By reframing these behaviors as essential steps towards social and emotional growth, parents can respond strategically rather than emotionally when faced with challenging situations. This not only helps maintain a healthy relationship between parent and child but also fosters the necessary independence needed during this critical stage of development.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/10/23/nx-s1-5501530/why-does-my-toddler-your-kiddos-most-confounding-behavior-decoded)
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