Social-Emotional Development Guide

Learn what types of behaviors to expect from your growing baby.

Your baby:

• uses different cries to tell you what he needs (hungry, uncomfortable, or sick).
• really smiles at you and talks to you with noises and gurgles.
• lets you know she is happy by cooing, smiling, and laughing, only for a few seconds at first.
• will sometimes be fussy only because she likes to be with people and is learning about getting attention.
• likes to play with her fingers, hands, feet, and toes.
• feels safe in your arms and enjoys your hugs.

Social-Emotional Development Guide

Learn what types of behaviors to expect from your growing baby.

Your baby:

• responds to your soothing and comforting affection.
• may begin to show signs of vision and laughs when looking at you.
• enjoys watching other babies and focuses on children.
• may turn to you when you call his name.
• sometimes stops crying when you talk to him rather than pick him up.
• sucks on her fingers and hands to calm herself.
• enjoys learning simple games such as Peekaboo.

Social-Emotional Development Guide

Learn what types of behaviors to expect from your growing toddler.

Your toddler:

• is generally happy and smiles at people, including other children.
• likes to talk and is using more words every day!
• shows different emotions such as fear, guilt, sympathy, modesty, or embarrassment.
• loves to be held and read to and becomes upset when separated from you.

Social-Emotional Development Guide

Learn what types of behaviors to expect from your growing toddler.

Your toddler:

• likes to imitate you, other adults, and her friends.
• wants to do everything by himself, even though he can’t.
• has many emotions, and her emotions can be very big, like anger and temper tantrums.
• loves attention from familiar adults and children but may act shy around strangers.
• shows affection by returning a hug or kiss and tries to comfort familiar people who are in distress.

Social-Emotional Development Guide

Learn what types of behaviors to expect from your growing child.

Your child:

• likes using her growing imagination. She likes to play with puppets, dress-up clothes, dolls, and play figures.
• is beginning to understand others' feelings and is learning to identify when another child is angry or happy.
• is getting louder and bossier at times and may talk with a loud, urgent voice.
• greets familiar adults and is happy to see friends.
• sometimes screams and throws temper tantrums.

Social-Emotional Development Guide

Learn what types of behaviors to expect from your growing child.

Your child:

• is more independent and can do many things for herself. Your child will tell you, "I can do it myself!"
• is still learning to follow simple rules, although he sometimes needs gentle reminders.
• now plays briefly with other children and is still learning about sharing and taking turns.
• may be fearful and sometimes has nightmares. Scary images and sounds, even cartoons, can give her nightmares.
• likely has a special friend that he prefers playing with.

Social-Emotional Development Guide

Learn what types of behaviors to expect from your growing child.

Your child:

• likes to play with other children and has favorite games and playmates.
• is beginning to share and takes turns but is possessive of favorite toys.
• may have imaginary friends when playing games or sleeping at night.
• expresses extreme emotions at times such as happiness, sadness, anger, and silliness.
• shows concern and sympathy for younger siblings and playmates when they are hurt or upset.

Social-Emotional Development Guide

Learn what types of behaviors to expect from your growing child.

Your child:

• likes to play best with one or two other children at a time.
• likes to choose his own friends and may have a best friend.
• may play with small groups of children at the park or school.
• is showing some self-control in group situations and can wait for his turn or stand in a line.
• is beginning to understand the meaning of right and wrong, although she does not always do what is right.