Signs of Social and Emotional well being in infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Infants and ToddlersFrom birth to age 3 months
Looks at faces Listens to voices Quiets when picked up (most of the time) Cries, smiles and coos |
Caregiver SuggestionsFrom 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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" |
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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 |
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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 |
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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.
