PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION FOR INFANT AND MENTAL HEALTH
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Signs of Social and Emotional well being in infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

Infants and Toddlers

From birth to age 3 months
Looks at faces
Listens to voices
Quiets when picked up (most of the time)
Cries, smiles and coos

Caregiver Suggestions

From birth to age 3 months
Look lovingly at baby
Listen to the baby
Talk and sing the the baby
Pick up and soothe crying baby
Offer a warm smile
Touch baby gently
Hold and cuddle baby
Read with baby

From 3 to 6 months
Gives warm smiles and laughs
Cries when upset, and seeks comfort
Can be comforted (the majority of the time)
Shows excitement by waving arms and legs
Likes to look at and be near special person(s)

From 3 to 6 months
Hold baby when feeding
Share baby's smiles and laughter
Notice and pay attention to baby
Respond to baby's cries and coos
Hold and read to baby
Play lovingly with baby

From 6 tp 9 months
Plays games like "patty cake"
Responds to own name
Enjoys a daily routine and transitions from situation with relative ease
May get upset when separated from familiar person(s)
Unsure of strangers
May comfort self by sucking thumb or holding special toy or blanket

From 6 to 9 months
Take pleasure in games with baby
Talk to baby in gentle voice
Be predictable and consistent
Watch and know what baby wants and needs
Read with baby
Sing songs and say nursery rhymes

From 9 to 12 months
Able to be happy, mad and sad
Shows feelings by smiling, crying, pointing
Has a special relationship with parents and caregivers
Is curious about playthings
Imitates others
Enjoys books
Trusts that needs will be met

From 9 to 12 months
Names Feelings like happy, mad, sad
Be available, responsive, gentle and protective of baby
Encourage baby to explore
Read books with baby
Talk, sing, and say rhymes to baby

From 12 to 18 months
Safe and secure in loving relationships
Curious about people
Explores with enthusiasm
Bold and confident
Says "mama," "dada," and up to eight additional words (and some two-word sentences) by 18 months
Responds to changes in daily routine

From 12 to 18 months
Offer safe and trusting relationship
Show interest in toddler
Loving towards toddler
Talk, listen and respond to toddler
Read, sing songs and play with toddler
Use words for feelings: happy, sad, mad
Use words to tell toddler "what comes next"

From 18 to 24 months
Laughs out loud
Loving towards others
Plays beside other children
Enthusiastic
Protests and says "No!"
Curious and likes to explore people, places and things
Enjoys books, stories and songs

From 18 to 24 months
Share in toddler's laughter
Show love towards toddler
Encourage curiosity
Celebrate what toddler does
Set limits that are firm, fair and consistent
Respond evenly and respectfully to toddler
Read, talk, listen, play and sing with toddler

From 24 to 30 months
Uses words to communicate
Playful with others
May be shy in unfamiliar places
Likes people
Uses pretend play
Smiles and laughs
Enjoys lots of different books and simple games

From 24 to 30 months
Talk to toddler and use words for feelings
Support toddler's play
Help toddler feel comfortable
Enjoy toddler and play simple games
Encourage imaginary play
Praise and encourage toddler
Read to toddler every day

From 30 to 36 months
Able to play independently
Easily seperates from primary caregivers in familiar places
Begins to share with others
Shows feelings for others
Expresses many feelings: sad, happy, frightened, angry
Enjoys books and games

From 30 to 36 months
Encourage toddler to play independently
Help toddler to sepearte without difficulty
Help toddler to share with others
Help toddler to use words for feelings
Listen and respond to toddler's feelings
Discipline positively and consistently
Tell stories, read and encourage pretend play





"Social-Emotional Development in Young Children: A guide produced by the Michigan Department of Community Health." www.michigan.gov/mdch. December 2003. http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Social_Emotional_Development_in_Young_Children_Guide_88553_7.pdf. April 11, 2012.
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