Which of the following behaviors is characteristic of children aged 2-3 years in terms of social development?

Engaging in parallel play is a hallmark of social development for children aged 2-3 years. At this stage, young children often play alongside each other rather than directly with one another. This type of play involves children occupying the same space and playing with similar toys, yet they do not interact much or collaborate in their activities. Parallel play serves as an important step in social development, as it allows children to observe and learn from their peers while gradually developing social skills needed for more interactive forms of play.

As children grow and develop, they begin to move towards more cooperative play, which usually emerges in slightly older age groups. Self-centered behavior is also typical at this age, as toddlers are often focused on their own needs and desires, but it is not as defining as the characteristic of parallel play in this context. While avoiding interaction with adults can be observed in some children, it is not typical for this age group, as they usually still seek adult interaction, though they may be more focused on their independent play.