Social, Emotional & Physical Development of Children

Child development is unique for each child. Books and charts can give parents an average view of where their child might be according to their age group, but children may develop faster or slower in one area than another. Monitor your child's development through regular well-visits throughout childhood. Developmental screening of the child's social, emotional and physical development in early childhood can detect delays that may require early intervention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  1. Birth to 6 Months

    • Through touch and exploration, your baby learns to recognize his primary caregivers and that he is a separate person. A baby this age can be comforted by an adult he knows, smile and respond in a positive manner to touch, and enjoy short, frequent interactions playing. You will notice your baby exploring his growing body by sucking on his fingers, watching his hands intently and playing with his toes. He will likely eat 8 to 12 times a day during his first month and sleep most of his day away. Crying will be his main form of communication followed by cooing, grunting and babbling between 2 and 6 months of age. Babies develop control of their heads and begin to roll over during this time.

    7 to 12 Months

    • Between 7 and 9 months of age, your baby is likely responsive to gestures and communication. She will express different emotions and let you know if the loss of a toy has caused her displeasure, according to the PBS article "Social and Emotional Development." By controlling her trunk and her hands, your baby can begin to crawl around and sit up without assistance. Babies have a secure attachment to their mothers and dislike being separated from them. By 10 to 12 months of age, control of her feet and legs has developed, enabling your little one to pull herself to a standing position and attempt to take her first steps. She will take pleasure in exploring her environment and can respond to simple requests, according to the Child Development Institute. She may begin to feed herself finger food, hold a cup and drink with your help, and mimic simple actions, according to PBS.org. Fear of strangers is common as well as waving goodbye and understanding what the word "no" means.

    1 to 2 Years

    • Toddlers show a wider range of emotions, including intense feelings for their parents or other familiar people in their lives, according to PBS.org. Between 1 and 2 years of age, your toddler will be able to help put things away, obey limited commands, imitate adult behaviors through play, play by himself and express negative feelings. Your toddler has likely mastered walking and feeding himself between 12 and 18 months of age. Dependent behavior and excessive clinging can be expected, as can fear of taking a bath. Between 18 and 24 months, he will learn to run and kick a ball as well as build a small tower.

    2 to 3 Years

    • At 30 months of age, children may exhibit negativism, which is intense anger and frustration, according to the Child Development Institute. On the flip side, she is likely to develop a sense of humor as well. Between 2 and 3 years of age, she will engage in play alongside her peers in what is known as parallel play. You may notice your child refusing to share her toys. Resisting parental demands is common, as well as trying to be the "boss," insisting on doing things a certain way and demanding orders, says the Child Development Institute. She may have the ability to use the toilet, although potty training may take longer, depending on emotional and physical readiness. At this age, toddlers may resent a new sibling.

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