What behavior is most expected from a 2-year-old when faced with frustration?

At the age of two, children are in a developmental stage characterized by limited emotional regulation and communication skills. When they encounter frustrating situations, their ability to articulate feelings or find constructive ways to cope is still developing. This often leads to tantrums as a primary response. Throwing a tantrum is a typical behavior for toddlers who may feel overwhelmed by their emotions but lack the maturity to express those feelings verbally or resolve the problem in another way.

Seeking adult comfort can happen, but it is generally secondary to the immediate emotional outburst, as the child is primarily focused on expressing their frustration in a more visceral manner. While some children may occasionally display calmness, it is not typical for this age group; their emotions often manifest through loud, physical outbursts rather than soothing behaviors. Discussing feelings is far beyond the expressive abilities of most two-year-olds, who typically communicate through actions rather than words. Thus, tantrums are a common and expected reaction for a toddler when faced with frustration.