What types of interactions might occur when toddlers engage in play with others?

When toddlers engage in play with others, it is common for a variety of social interactions to surface, reflecting their developmental stage and emerging social skills. The choice highlighting aggression, manipulation, conflicts, and tantrums appropriately captures the reality of toddler play dynamics.

At this age, children are still learning how to navigate social interactions, which often leads to misunderstandings and frustrations. Toddlers may not fully understand concepts like sharing or turn-taking, resulting in conflicts over toys or play materials.

Aggression may manifest in physical ways, such as hitting or pushing, as toddlers express their emotions or assert their desires. Manipulation can occur when a child tries to influence another's actions to achieve a desired outcome, such as taking a toy without asking. Conflicts arise naturally from differing desires during playtime, and tantrums often emerge when a toddler is unable to manage their emotions or communicate their needs effectively.

In contrast, options like cooperation, friendship, and structured play typically represent more advanced social interactions that are developed as children grow older and gain more experience in social settings. Thus, while positive interactions are important, they may not best characterize the immediate outcomes of toddler play.