Which of the following best describes the role of modeling in infant and toddler care?

Modeling plays a vital role in infant and toddler care because it involves adults setting good examples for young children to emulate. This approach is foundational in early childhood development as infants and toddlers are keen observers, learning behaviors, language, social interactions, and routines by watching the adults around them.

When caregivers model positive behaviors, such as sharing, expressing emotions appropriately, or engaging in problem-solving, they provide concrete examples that children can imitate. This not only helps children understand expected behaviors but also fosters a safe and nurturing environment that encourages exploration and learning. Through consistent and positive modeling, caregivers can effectively guide children in developing essential social and emotional skills, laying the groundwork for their future interactions and learning experiences.

The other options don't encompass the proactive and educational aspect of modeling. For instance, forced compliance with rules neglects the importance of understanding and internalizing behaviors, while observing silently does not actively contribute to a child’s learning process. Giving verbal commands without demonstration would not offer children a visual or practical reference for behavior, which is essential at this developmental stage.