What emotional development characteristic can be observed in mobile infants?

Mobile infants often exhibit a strong sense of self by asserting themselves in various ways, which is a key characteristic of their emotional development. As infants gain mobility, they begin to explore their environment more actively, leading to greater independence. This newfound ability to move around allows them to assert their preferences, engage with their surroundings, and interact with others. For example, they may insist on choosing toys or moving towards certain people, demonstrating a clear indication of their growing self-awareness and autonomy.

This behavior reflects an important stage in emotional development where infants start to recognize themselves as separate individuals, leading to more assertive and confident interactions with both their environment and caregivers. This is an essential part of their development, as they learn not only to express their desires but also to navigate social interactions with peers and adults. This contrasts with other characteristics, such as a lack of interest in surroundings or dependence on caregivers, which do not represent the assertive and exploratory nature of mobile infants.