Social & Emotional Development in Children

Birth to One Year

• An infant begins bonding with her primary caregivers very quickly after birth. She may respond with tenseness or crying toward unfamiliar adults. By 1 to 4 months, the infant will smile at familiar faces, especially her parents. She will react differently to variations in adult voices, smiling when the voice sounds pleasant and frowning when the voice is too loud or angry. She enjoys being sung to and talked to and may cry when social interaction ends.

  By 4 to 8 months, the infant becomes more social, reaching out and cooing. She watches other people intently. She loves to lie on her back playing with her feet and hands. She will play with soft toys and rattles, putting them in her mouth. She bites and chews on everything because that is how the infant brain explores new objects. She enjoys music and rhythmic activities.

  By 8 to 12 months, the infant wants her caregiver in constant sight. She may show fear toward strangers. She enjoys putting objects on top of her head. Putting objects inside one another becomes a favorite activity. She will throw things on the floor and expect the caregiver to return them. She likes to hide behind things and play "Where's the baby?" She will smile in response to hearing her name spoken. She can follow simple directions. She understands the meaning of "no." She will extend her arms to be picked up or cling to adult's legs until picked up.

1 to 2 Years

• At this stage, the child begins to imitate adult actions during play. She may play alone for short periods (solitary play). She likes adult attention, giving frequent hugs and kisses. She recognizes herself in the mirror. She may enjoy being around other children but is unable to play cooperatively (parallel play). She may begin to show independence by trying to do things on her own or refusing to cooperate with her parents. She may throw tantrums when she is tired or does not get her own way. She begins to understand the concept of "mine" and is unwilling to share toys. She enjoys being read or sung to. She enjoys taking walks, particularly in examining objects along the way. She will take naps and wakes up slowly from them. She is more secure if a door is left open or a light is on at bedtime.

2 to 3 Years

• The 2-year-old child continues to engage in parallel play. She may use physical aggression when frustrated. However, as her verbal skills improve, this aggression usually diminishes. She is impatient and finds it difficult to take turns. She may be "bossy" and order adults around. She begins to show empathy and caring toward other children when they are hurt or scared. She may offer hugs or kisses to others. She loves to dress up, imitating family members. She may have an imaginary friend.

3 to 4 Years

• The 3-year-old child is friendly and eager to please. She understands taking turns but does not always do so. She may have fears of the dark or nightmares. She talks to herself often. She continues to play parallel to other children, but she may join in games and group activities. She may use objects symbolically in play, for example, pretending a block is a boat. She begins to enjoy make-believe play, alone or with other children. She will listen to stories up to ten minutes at a time. She is very social and wants to be included in everything. She may have a special toy or blanket and take it everywhere. She may argue with other children, especially over toys or other belongings. Adults should allow children to solve these disagreements on their own unless there is threat of physical harm.

4 to 5 Years

• The 4-year-old child plays cooperatively some of the time. Her playmates are very important to her. She may have a best friend. She will share and take turns most of the time and wants to be with other children constantly. She may show off and brag about her family and possessions. She needs adult attention and approval. She needs limits and will follow rules most of the time. Her moods may be unpredictable and change rapidly. She may hold lengthy conversations with imaginary friends. She may tattle on other children. She wants to do things independently. She loves make-believe activities. She uses verbal rather than physical aggression, for example, calling other children names to exclude them.

5 to 6 Years

• The 5-year-old child likes to tell jokes and make people laugh. She can follow directions and generally complies with adult requests. She likes to help and will perform routine chores. She is very attached to home and fears that her mother will not return if she leaves. She knows there is a "right" way to do things. She plays well with other children but usually only plays with one friend at a time. She plays cooperatively and may suggest elaborate play ideas. She is affectionate toward other children, especially toward injured or younger children. She has better self-control than she did at age 4, with fewer mood swings. She still needs adult attention but is less open about seeking it.