What is the likely diagnosis for a child showing age-appropriate social behavior but occasionally hitting peers during play?

The likely diagnosis of normal behavior for age is appropriate in this scenario because it is common for young children to exhibit occasional aggressive behaviors, such as hitting peers during play. This behavior is often a part of typical development as children are still learning to navigate social interactions, express emotions, and understand personal boundaries.

Young children can be impulsive and may not yet have fully developed skills in self-regulation, communication, or understanding the impact of their actions on others. Such behaviors usually diminish as children grow older and gain a better understanding of social norms and emotional regulation.

Understanding this context suggests that while the child engages in age-appropriate social interactions, the occasional hitting does not indicate a diagnosable psychological condition but rather reflects a normal stage in social development. Children learn through play and interaction, and as they mature, they generally develop more suitable social behaviors.