Question

While in the playroom of a pediatric unit, the nurse sees several toddlers seated at a table trying to copy the same picture from a book. They are not talking to each other or sharing their crayons. What does the nurse conclude about this behavioral interaction?

1) It is a typical expression of toddlers' social development.
2) This is an example of antisocial behavior found in some children.
3) It is a lack of parental role models to demonstrate acceptable behavior.
4) This is an illustration of separation anxiety typical of hospitalized toddlers.

Answer 1

The behavior of toddlers copying a picture without interacting with each other is typical for their social development, reflecting parallel play and an assertion of autonomy, rather than antisocial behavior or separation anxiety.

Step-by-step explanation:

When observing toddlers seated at a table trying to copy the same picture from a book without interacting with each other or sharing their crayons, the nurse can conclude that this behavior is a typical expression of toddlers' social development. At this stage, children often engage in parallel play, which means they play alongside each other but do not interact directly. It is part of the normal learning and socialization process where children learn by observing and mimicking without the necessity for social interaction. They are in the phase where they are asserting their autonomy and preferences, which includes the choice of not sharing at times. This developmental stage is characterized by the 'me do it' attitude, highlighting their growing sense of independence and is not indicative of antisocial behavior or a result of poor parental modeling. Neither does it signify separation anxiety, which is more about fear of being away from their caregivers.