Typical Behaviors From Infancy to Age 12

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ACTIVITY ID: 16596

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Just as with all areas of development, there are certain behaviors that are typical as children progress through developmental stages. These behaviors often challenge adults, but they are to be expected. The table below provides examples of the types of behaviors staff members may encounter with each age group. Share this information with staff members to help them prepare for work with children.

Age Group (approximate)	Behaviors that are expected, but may be challenging to providers
Pre-mobile infants (birth to 6 months)	Crying Refusing to take a bottle Irregular sleep patterns
Mobile infants (7–12 months)	Taking toys from others Mouthing toys Climbing or crawling on others Knocking things down (block structures, etc.) Stranger anxiety or refusing to go to unfamiliar adults Pulling long hair or loose jewelry
Toddlers (13–36 months)	Biting Saying “No” High levels of activity; rarely stays still Insisting on doing things independently (“I can do it myself”) Whining and crying
Preschool (3–4 years)	Fears and vivid imaginations (fear of the dark, monsters, etc.) Excluding others from play Telling others what to do Tattling or telling on others
Younger School Age (5–8 years)	Overly concerned with fairness Uses sex differences as the basis for play decisions or excluding others from play (“No boys allowed”) Lying or stretching the truth Tattling or telling on others Cheating at games or getting upset and not wanting to play
Older School Age (8–12 years)	Avoiding adults and preferring peers Talking back Experimenting with swear words and adult behaviors Wanting to appear cool to peers

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