At what age do children generally start to exhibit possessive behavior?

Children generally begin to exhibit possessive behavior around two years of age. This is an important developmental milestone, as it reflects their growing sense of self and independence. At this stage, children develop an understanding of ownership and relationships, which manifests through possessive actions such as claiming toys, wanting to be the only one to use a specific object, or becoming upset when another child tries to take something they consider theirs.

At two, children are also starting to develop their language skills, which enables them to express their feelings of attachment or ownership more clearly. This possessive behavior is a normal part of their social and emotional development, where they learn about boundaries, sharing, and the concept of "mine." Recognizing this behavior as a part of growth helps caregivers and educators support healthy social interactions and teach children about sharing and cooperation in social settings.

While possessiveness can also be observed at earlier or later ages, it typically becomes most pronounced around the age of two.