Audio LecturePro Feature Social, emotional and behavioural 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x Child development is the process by which the dependent infant matures into the independent adult, functioning within society. It is a complex interweaving of biology, psychology and environment where each skill builds on the ones that have come before and provides a foundation for those skills yet to develop. Development in humans follows a predictable pattern and a rough schedule but no individual develops in exactly the same manner as any other. It follows an orderly pattern (unlike almost everything else regarding children); from top to bottom, central to outer and simple to complex. What is important, when considering normal development, is progress and parity; that children are moving forward in the different areas of development at roughly the same rate. Disparity in progress between areas of the body (e.g. the right side and the left or the lower limbs and the upper limbs) or between domains of development (see below) is concerning, as is regression (i.e. loss of previously attained skills). This article will outline the typical stages of development that children go through. The features typically seen at each age are described below. Social, emotional and behavioural Social development deals with the growth in relationships with others, within the construct of their culture and society. Socialisation is the process of learning the skills and attitudes peculiar to the community in which the child lives. The social world is incredibly complex and it is mind-boggling how quickly most infants start to pick up on the cues of those around them. They must develop an understanding of the actions, intentions and feelings of others in order to build and maintain healthy relationships with adults and children. Age Feature Newborn Respond to being picked up Enjoys feeding and cuddling 6 weeks Gazes at adult faces Social smile 3 months Smiles at familiar faces and at strangers 6 months Feeds self with fingers Shows stranger fear 9 months Waves bye Plays peek-a-boo Shows likes and dislikes 12 months Drinks from a cup with 2 hands Has separation anxiety 18 months Uses a spoon Plays contentedly alone, near a familiar adult Eager to be independent 24 months (2 years) Displays frustration (temper tantrums) Dresses self Begins to express feelings 30 months Eats skilfully with spoon, may use a fork May use the toilet independently Plays alone and alongside other children (parallel play) Enjoys pretend play 36 months (3 years) Shows affection for younger siblings Probably toilet-trained, though may still be wet at night Enjoys helping adults, imitating household tasks Has friends 48 months (4 years) Eats skilfully with fork and spoon Brushes own teeth Shows sensitivity to others Takes turns 60 months (5 years) Very definite likes and dislikes Shows sympathy and comforts friends Dresses without help, except laces Engages in co-operative and imaginative play, observing rules References (1) Kapoor, Barnes, “Developmental Assessment”, Paediatrics, Edition 4, 2013 (2) Lissauer, W. Carroll, “Normal Child Development, Hearing and Vision”, Illustrated Textbook of Paediatrics, Edition 5, 2017 (3) Sheridan, M. D., From birth to five years; children’s developmental progress, 3rd edition revised and updated by A. Sharma and H. Cockerill, Routledge 2007 (4) understood.org (5) thecommunicationtrust.org.uk (6) Meggitt, C., Child development, an illustrated guide, 2nd edition, Heinemann 2006 (7) kidsmatter.edu.au Authors: 1st draft: Trainee doctor Hannah Murray Senior review: Dr Louise Ingram (Paediatric specialist registrar) Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below QuizPro Feature Social, emotional and behavioural Question 1 of 3 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/3 1000+ More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMePaediatrics Pro Challenge yourself with over 1000 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Frequent questions What is child development? Child development is the process through which a dependent infant matures into an independent adult, integrating biological, psychological, and environmental factors. It follows a predictable pattern, allowing each skill to build upon previous ones, although individual development may vary. What are the key areas of social development in children? Social development encompasses the growth of relationships with others, shaped by cultural and societal contexts. It involves learning the skills and attitudes necessary for socialisation, including understanding the actions and feelings of those around them. What are common milestones in social and emotional development by age 2? By age 2, children typically express frustration through temper tantrums, begin to dress themselves, and show a desire for independence. They also engage in parallel play, eating skilfully with a spoon, and may start to use the toilet independently. How do children demonstrate social skills at 3 years old? At 3 years old, children show affection for younger siblings, engage in cooperative and imaginative play, and begin to take turns with peers. They may also display some toilet training, although they might still experience occasional wetness at night. What signs indicate healthy emotional development in a 5-year-old? A 5-year-old typically exhibits clear likes and dislikes, shows sympathy towards friends, and comforts others in distress. They can dress themselves with minimal help and participate in cooperative play while following established rules. Rate This Article