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 |