Which term describes the reluctance of children to share toys at the age of four?

The term that best describes the reluctance of children to share toys at the age of four is possessiveness. At this developmental stage, children are beginning to understand ownership and the concept of personal space. They are often very proud of their belongings and may feel a strong attachment to them, leading to a natural inclination to keep their toys to themselves rather than share them with peers.

Possessiveness in young children is a normal part of their social and emotional development. It reflects their growing sense of identity and their understanding of separateness from others. This behavior is typically seen as a developmental step as children learn to navigate social interactions, learn the value of sharing, and develop cooperative skills over time.

In contrast, while cooperation involves working together with others, indifference implies a lack of interest or concern, and empathy signifies the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. These concepts may evolve as children grow, but at the age of four, possessiveness is the most appropriate term to characterize their reluctance to share.