Social-Emotional Development Guide

Support the social-emotional development of children

2 Month Milestones

• Babies like to play with their fingers, hands, feet, and toes.
• They look at your face and may look in your eyes.
• Babies let you know they are happy by cooing, smiling, laughing, and gurgling.

6 Month Milestones

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

12 Month Milestones

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

18 Month Milestones

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

30 Month Milestones

• Toddlers enjoy simple pretend play; they may like pretending to do it.
• They love silly jokes and have a sense of humor.
• Toddlers are beginning to share. They take turns but are possessive.
• Children now understand short and simple rules at home.
• They greet familiar adults and are happy to see friends.
• They like to be loved and cuddled but not in the middle of playtime.

36 Month Milestones

• Children are getting louder and bossier at times.

48 Month Milestones

• Children may play with small groups of children at the park or at school.

60 Month Milestones

• They now play simple games such as Candy Land and Go Fish.
• Children are beginning to understand the meaning of right and wrong.