Child Social Development Stages

From Birth to 8 Months

• According to the article "Developmental Milestones" published by the University of Michigan Health System, newborns start their social development by recognizing voices. They also become very secure when people smile at them and comfort them. They may follow plays like peek-a-boo and respond by smiling back. At six months of age, they become aware of strangers. At this stage, they have different ways of crying to communicate discomfort, and they also start babbling.

From 8 to 36 Months

• According to the article "Developmental Milestones" published by the University of Michigan Health System, from 8 to 18 months, infants experience anxiety when separated from their caregiver. They also demonstrate frustration by pushing or biting. They approach other children and play. They understand the idea of permanence (that a person or object exists when they do not see it). From 18 to 36 months, they become more independent and may push parents away, but they still need supervision. They start caring for others. They become aware of differences such as gender, color or age. They are able to understand the difference between fantasy and reality.

The Preschool Child (3 to 4 years old)

• According to the article "Child Social Development" published by Child Development Guide, interaction with other children is very important at this stage. This is when children start engaging in same-sex friendships and choosing their best friends. They enjoy playing apart from other children, and their play is not very organized. The presence of an adult is very important in order to settle disputes and organize games. At this stage, children develop a sense of humor and engage on imaginary play. During their preschool stage, children have the opportunity to learn in a group; in order to further a healthy social interaction with other children, adults need to teach them about rules and discipline.

The Preschool Child (4 to 5 years old)

• According to the article "Social and Emotional Development" published by PBS, children at this age learn to share with others; they share toys and learn to take turns. They get engaged in dramatic play using their imagination. They learn to compare themselves to others and develop friendships and awareness of other people's feelings. They become interested in sex differences. They also develop some moral reasoning and start differentiating between good and bad behavior.