What Are Biobehavioral Shifts in Toddlers?

As babies become toddlers, they experience biobehavioral shifts. These shifts are changes in behavior triggered by biological changes in the brain. With these changes, toddlers perceive and interact with the world differently, favoring personal autonomy and exploration. Some of the behaviors that toddlers display may seem out of the ordinary, but nothing can be further from the truth. Shifts in toddler behavior come about as a result of natural brain and body development.

Tantrums

• Toddlers are famous for the way they express their anger. Because they lack the skills to verbalize their feelings effectively, they turn to physical actions. This biobehavioral change is the direct result of toddlers' biological development. Their brains are becoming more complex and, in turn, they wish to explore more and achieve greater independence. At this point, they want to test their parents' limits and find out what kind of actions are acceptable. This biobehavioral shift can be overwhelming for parents, but it can be countered by setting clear, consistent boundaries.

Selfishness

• Another biobehavioral shift is sudden possessiveness. While it may seem abnormal, it is actually a perfectly healthy stage, according to "Today's Parent." This shift is suddenly triggered when the toddler's brain begins to understand ownership. However, his mind has not progressed enough to understand the fine details of possession. In a toddler's mind, anything he touches is his. If someone else touches his belongings, he interprets that as stealing.

Recklessness

• Toddlers tend to like messes. They play with their food, knock objects over and drop and throw things as they see fit. This is another biobehavioral middle ground, where the toddler can think enough to enjoy destruction, but lacks the complex thought to examine the consequences. According to "Today's Parent," there is nothing malicious or abnormal about this behavior. It is yet another natural shift in your child's development.

Attachment

• Another developmental milestone for toddlers is their tendency to develop attachment to other people. In many cases, a toddler will form a bond with a caregiver that supersedes the one with her parents. Many parents find this behavioral shift to be abnormal or hurtful. However, early childhood educator Jennifer Miller, assures that this is a perfectly normal part of development. If a child becomes easily attached to others, it is because love and attachment is nurtured and encouraged at home. This is a sign of good parenting.