Social - Emotional Development

We can see the beginnings of social-emotional development in our very young children. Can your baby begin to soothe herself back to sleep? Can your toddler negotiate an extra book at bedtime? Can your preschooler show caring when you stub your toe on the sidewalk or wait through a phone call before asking to go to the park with you? Social and emotional development is the change over time in children’s ability to react to and interact with their social environment—other people in their lives. Social and emotional development is complex and includes many different areas of growth.

Social and emotional milestones are generally harder to pinpoint than signs of physical development. Research shows that social skills and emotional development (reflected in the ability to pay attention, make transitions from one activity to another, and cooperate with others) are a very important part of school readiness, getting along with others, and beginning to advocate for oneself when needed.