What developmental characteristic of toddlers often affects their ability to resolve conflicts?

The developmental characteristic that most significantly affects toddlers' ability to resolve conflicts is the desire for immediate gratification. At this stage of development, toddlers are naturally focused on their own needs and wants. They typically lack the cognitive and emotional maturity required to understand delayed gratification or to consider the perspectives of others. This can lead to conflicts when they feel that their desires are being thwarted, and they may struggle to effectively communicate their needs or negotiate with peers.

While advanced problem-solving skills, high levels of impulse control, and the ability to negotiate and share are important aspects of social-emotional development, toddlers are generally still in the early stages of developing these abilities. Therefore, their focus on immediate gratification tends to override the use of more sophisticated conflict resolution strategies, leading to challenges when they encounter situations where sharing or compromise is required.