H P D 4 C W O R K I N G W I T H S C H O O L A G E C H I L D R E N A N D A D O L E S C E N T S

M R S. F I L I N OV

Social and Emotional Development in Children

First month: Second month:

is alert 1 out of every 10 hours enjoys eye contact smiles at faces recognizes parent’s voices begins to trust caregiver cries if under or over

stimulated persistent crying can start at

about 2 to 3 weeks

responsive smiling communicates moods enjoys visual stimulation studies faces your baby’s personality becomes

more obvious cries to have needs met persistent crying usually peaks in

the second month

The First Six Months

Third month: Fourth month:

makes eye contactsmiles at faces and may

laugh out loudknows difference between

parents and strangersstops crying when you

come into the roompersistent crying usually

stops in month 3 or 4

laughs hard when tickled

greets caregiverstarts social gesturesmay move arms to

signal “pick me up”enjoys social

interaction

Fifth month: Sixth month:

turns head toward speaker

watches your mouth movements

shows interest in colours

pushes away disliked actions

mimics facial expressions exhibits moods with varied

sounds and body movements

may be shy or afraid of strangers

responds to her or his name raises arms to signal she or

he wants to be picked up likes own reflection

Activities for Healthy Development:1 to 6 months

Have skin‑to‑skin contact with newborns.

Always respond to crying within 1 or 2 minutes.

Look into your baby’s eyes; you will fall in love.

Talk to your baby soothingly. Don’t feel rejected if your baby

turns away from you – young babies get tired easily.

Plan daily quiet times with your baby.

Don’t jiggle crying babies – use slow, gentle motions.

Don’t over stimulate your baby. Copy your baby’s movements and

sounds. Rock and cuddle your baby. Do finger and toe playing.

Social Skills: Emotional Development:

be learning to finger feed drink from a cup imitate others actions say "mama" "dada" indicate needs using gestures understand simple commands play along side another child

be very curious about their environment

start to have mood swings and temper tantrums

object when can not have their own way

loving but tend to be self centered in their view of

   the world show separation anxiety when

caregiver leaves

Ages 6‑12 Months

How You Can Help Social and Emotional Development 6 – 12 months Respond to your toddler’s calls or signals for help and attention (whenever you can) to

build trust. Create and follow regular routines. Offer choices you are comfortable with. For example, “Do you want this cup or that

cup?” Model good manners: use “please” and “thank you.” Play face‑to‑face games, such as peekaboo or making faces together. Talk about what happens next in routines or upcoming events. Provide safe places for your toddler to explore. Continue to breastfeed. Smile at your toddler. Cuddle your toddler. Comfort your toddler, especially when she or he is upset, sick, or hurt. Create routines and structure in your toddler’s day. Turn everyday routines into playful moments. Talk about your toddler’s emotions: “I see you are feeling sad/happy/frustrated.” Ask your toddler for hugs and kisses. Provide your toddler with chances to play with other children and to be around people.

What Your Toddler Is Likely to Do

Other Things Your Toddler May Do

Show affection openly, for example, by hugging and kissing.

Use social language, such as “please,” “thank you,” and “bye‑bye.”

Play with others and take turns more easily. Play make‑believe games and create

imaginary characters. Be upset with major changes in routines. Know and respond to other people’s feelings. Become more comfortable with new people. Want to do things by her‑ or himself, but may

fear new experiences. Want approval and need praise.

Copy adult behaviours, such as shopping, banking, parenting, breastfeeding, or cooking.

Create an imaginary friend to talk to. Be more comfortable around new adults. Help other children to do things. Develop skills such as taking turns, sharing, and

using words instead of fighting. Explain his or her feelings when asked about

them. Understand the feelings of other children and talk

about them. Stamp feet when frustrated. Ask you to tell certain stories to help deal with her

or his fears.

Ages 30‑36 Months

How You Can Help Social and Emotional Development

Introduce your toddler to familiar neighbours and community workers. Show affection with hugs and loving words. Praise good behaviour. Instead of saying “good girl,” or “good boy,” say, “Sharing your

teddy with Kim was very kind.” Provide chances to play with other children. Encourage your toddler to wash, dress, and feed plastic dolls to teach caring for others. Encourage imaginary play. Join in with questions: “Is the tea ready?” Make sure you are nearby to help your toddler solve problems when playing with other

children. Make sure a trusted adult is close by when children are playing. Continue to breastfeed. Praise your toddler’s new skills and when she or he does something without help. Accept your toddler’s feelings and talk about them. Give and use words for feelings: “disappointed,” “hurt,” “thrilled,” “excited.” Talk very simply about your own feelings as examples. Listen to and understand your toddler’s fears. Sing songs and read stories about emotions. Talk about the feelings of a story’s characters

and why the characters might feel that way.