Social-Emotional Abilities: 0-36 months

At this stage, babies begin to engage more with their caregivers, often starting to smile in response to a "social smile." Their facial and body expressions become more varied, helping them communicate how they feel. Babies also start to develop ways to self-soothe, like briefly calming themselves by sucking their thumb. They quickly learn to recognize when they’re having fun and may cry if the activity is suddenly stopped. Making eye contact and looking at people while interacting is another sign of growing awareness and connection, showing that they are actively engaged in their surroundings.

At this stage, babies are usually happy when they’re surrounded by cheerful caregivers, as they thrive in a positive, engaging environment. They begin to respond to and even copy some of the movements and facial expressions they see, showing a growing connection to those around them. Their awareness of their surroundings also develops, and they start to show interest in engaging more, like reaching out to play with toys. This curiosity and desire to interact is an exciting step in their growth and development.

As babies continue to grow, they may begin to show some anxiety around strangers, feeling more secure with familiar faces. Social games, like peek-a-boo, become a favorite activity as they enjoy the interaction and the surprise. They start to learn the meanings of words if caregivers use them consistently, helping them connect sounds with actions or objects. Looking at themselves in the mirror becomes a fun and fascinating activity, as they start to recognize their own reflection. Additionally, they may become more "clingy" when their caregivers leave, reaching out their arms to be held, which reflects their growing attachment and need for comfort and security.

As babies grow, they begin to attempt to display more independence, sometimes refusing food or trying to explore toys on their own. This newfound desire for autonomy may also come with moments of fear, especially around unfamiliar people, as they seek comfort from familiar faces. At the same time, they become more interested in imitating others during play, mimicking actions and expressions as they learn through observation and interaction. This combination of independence and social engagement marks an exciting phase in their development.

At this stage, babies begin to show more defiant behavior, like throwing tantrums, as they try to establish their independence and assert their preferences. While they enjoy being around other children, they’re still learning how to share and may struggle with this concept. They can play independently for short periods, exploring toys and activities on their own, but they still seek interaction and attention. If they feel they’re no longer the center of attention, they may get upset, showing their desire for connection and reassurance from their caregivers. This combination of growing independence and social development is a natural part of their journey.

As toddlers continue to develop, they begin to copy others in more complex tasks, like cooking or cleaning, eager to mimic and learn from the adults around them. They also start to show affection toward their friends, forming stronger emotional connections with peers. Along with this, there is an increase in the variety of emotions they express, from joy to frustration, as they become more aware of their feelings. However, they can get upset when there are major changes in their routine, as consistency and familiarity provide them with a sense of security.