Understanding one’s own feelings, other’s feelings with self-regulation are the foundation for long-lasting and meaningful relationships.Social and emotional domain are skills that develop over time. When a child meets this domain, they will have the ability to understand their own feelings, other’s feelings and demonstrate self-regulation. A child who has mastered this domain is believed to have the foundational skills to follow instructions, pay attention, engage in cooperative play and exhibit self-control. Along with this, as the child ages into adolescence and adulthood, they will have the foundation for long-lasting and meaningful relationships.The chart below identifies several skills your child should demonstrate by age 12 months, 24 months, 36 months, 4 years old, and 5 years old for Social & Emotional Growth:
| Age | Social & Emotional Skills |
| 12 months (1 year) | Cries when parent leaves |
| Shows they have a favorite toy, thing and person |
| Shows fear in some situations and/or seems shy with strangers |
| Repeats sounds or actions to get attention |
| Helps with dressing by putting arm or leg out |
| Engages in reciprocal play (peek-a-book) |
| Age | Social & Emotional Skills |
| 24 months (2 years) | Copies and imitates adults and other children |
| May engage in “temper tantrums” and exhibits defiant behavior |
| Shows excitement when other children are in the same area and plays “next” to other children |
| Engages in affection (hugs, kisses etc) with familiar people |
| Explores the environment with parents close by |
| Gestures for play and sharing (hands items to others or points out things) and plays pretend (feeding a doll) |
| Age | Social & Emotional Skills |
| 36 months (3 years) | Copies and imitates adults and friends |
| Takes turns in games |
| Demonstrates concern or tries to “console” a crying friend |
| Separates from parents easily |
| May get upset or have small tantrum with major changes in routine |
| Dresses and undresses self independently |
| Age | Social & Emotional Skills |
| 4 Years | Talks about their interests, likes and dislikes |
| Engages in make-believe play |
| Prefers to play with other children then by himself |
| Pretend plays Mom or Dad |
| Cooperates with other children |
| Often can’t tell from real and make-believe |
| Age | Social & Emotional Skills |
| 5 Years | Wants to please and be like friends |
| Follow rules and more likely to agree with them |
| Can discriminate gender (male, female) |
| Can discriminate real vs. make-believe |
| Likes to sing, dance, and act |
| Can be demanding at times and very cooperative at other times |
