Social-Emotional Development Guide

Support the social-emotional development of children

2 Month

Babies...

• like to play with their fingers, hands, feet, and toes.
• let you know they are happy by cooing, smiling, laughing, and gurgling.

6 Month

Babies...

• respond to your affection and may begin to show you signs of affection.
• sometimes suck on their fingers and hands to calm down.
• will sometimes stop crying when you talk to them rather than show many emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and discomfort.
• respond differently to strangers than they do to family members and friends.
• imitate other children and adults. They may imitate sounds, actions, and facial expressions.

18 Month

Toddlers...

• are generally happy and smile at other people, including other children.
• enjoy playing near other children but not with them quite yet.
• use imagination to create stories through pretend play.
• can sometimes use their words to express themselves.
• are showing different emotions.

24 Month

Children...

• like to imitate you, other adults, and their friends.
• like to use the words "mine," "no," and "me."

30 Month

Children...

• enjoy simple pretend play. They may like pretending to do it.
• love silly jokes and have a sense of humor.
• are beginning to share. They take turns but are possessive.

36 Month

Children...

• now understand short and simple rules at home.
• greet familiar adults and are happy to see friends.
• like to be loved and cuddled but not in the middle of playtime.

48 Month

Children...

• are getting louder and bossier at times.

60 Month

Children...

• now play simple games such as Candy Land and Go Fish.
• are beginning to understand the meaning of right and wrong.
• may play with small groups of children at the park or at school.