Social & emotional development of a child is as important as their physical development. When a baby is born & their vaccination chart is shared with parents, kit usually had a chart to track the height, weight, head circumference etc. of the baby. Some hospitals also provide a list of physical milestones to parents to help them understand what’s expected at what age and in case the kid is unable to touch the milestone within the prescribed age gap, pediatrician should be consulted. But only a handful of us actually give the same importance to Social & Emotional development of the baby – while it is equally if not less important.
So here is a brief guideline of what is to be expected of a baby in terms of their social & emotional development.
By the age of 2
- Understand the meaning of & begin to say NO.
- React to changes in daily routines – eg. show excitement when going out or show resistance if put to bed early etc.
- Hugs & kisses familiar people – Parents, family, nanny, pets etc.
- Is able to show frustration easily.
- Shares piece of food with others.
- Is able to play alone, independently for a few minutes.
- Brings things to show to others & is happy when people acknowledge.
- Begins simple pretend play by imitating adults.
By the age of 3
- Starts to understand the emotions of others – responds appropriately when see someone is angry or sad or happy etc.
- Starts to seek company of other kids of similar age.
- Becomes shy & aware of their body.
- Begin to shoe empathy towards other children.
- Become aggressive & frustrated easily.
- Becomes possessive of their stuff & defend their possession.
- Begin to separate more easily from parents.
- Show more fear in some situations.
- Are more interested in pretend play & make believe play.
By the age of 4
- Start liking co-operative play & parallel play with groups & other kids their age.
- The tantrums start to decrease.
- Start to understand the concept of safety & danger more clearly.
- Are easily able to establish a cause & effect relation between two actions.
- Start sharing their toys or belongings more easily.
- Become & demand more independence.
- Show a lot of physical affection by hugging, kissing, holding hands etc to family & friends.
Shalu Sharma Rathod, EECE Expert, ProEves