What is an expected behavioral characteristic of an 8-month-old child?

An expected behavioral characteristic of an 8-month-old child is laughing spontaneously. At this age, infants typically exhibit a range of social and emotional responses, which includes showing joy and amusement through laughter. Laughter is not only a sign of happiness but also indicates the child's engagement with caregivers and the environment, reflecting their social development.

Infants around this age are beginning to explore their surroundings and develop social interactions, often responding to stimuli such as playful antics from adults or other children. Spontaneous laughter is a part of this exploration and can signal the baby’s enjoyment and comfort in their social interactions.

The other options represent skills or behaviors that are not typically developed at this stage. For instance, using complete sentences is beyond the capabilities of an 8-month-old, who is usually just beginning to experiment with sounds and simple vocalizations. Responding to verbal questions with appropriate answers is a more advanced cognitive skill generally seen in older toddlers. Similarly, demonstrating initiative involves a level of independence and decision-making that develops in later stages of toddlerhood. Therefore, spontaneous laughter aligns best with the expected behaviors of an 8-month-old child.