Social, Emotional and Behavioural Development

Birth to 2 Years (Infancy)

Most babies start socialising within a few months with attempts at smiling or cooing
Attachment with primary caregivers is central to emotional development during this stage
At approximately 6 to 9 months, separation anxiety can develop, signaling emotional attachment
Basic emotions, such as joy, sadness, and fear, start emerging
Infants begin to explore their environment, sometimes leading to challenging behaviour as they test boundaries

Toddlers become more independent and test their limits, sometimes displaying rebellious behaviour
Their vocabulary expands, fostering increased interaction with others
Learning to take turns and share with peers is a crucial aspect of social development
They start recognising and managing basic emotions
Dramatic play aids in expressing emotions and developing social skills

Have a better understanding of rules, contributing to improved behaviour
They start developing empathy and understanding others’ emotions
Friends become increasingly important, offering social learning opportunities
They can express a wider range of emotions now
Issues like tantrums and defiance can occur as they seek increasing control of their world

Group conformity and peer pressure start influencing behaviour
Emotional development is more complex, with understanding and managing new feelings like jealousy or admiration
Social circles widen, leading to improved social skills
They begin to develop a more refined sense of right and wrong, influencing their behaviour

Significant emotional changes occur due to hormonal changes of puberty
Peer relationships become central, with a focus on identity formation
More advanced emotions, such as romantic feelings, start to emerge
There’s increased pressure to conform to social norms, with risk-taking behaviour arising
Develop coping mechanisms to handle stress and other challenging emotions

Emotional intelligence and stability generally continue to develop in early adulthood
Major life changes (e.g., moving, job changes, marriage, children) can affect emotional and social development
Past experiences start influencing behavioural patterns
Relationship building and maintenance become crucial aspects of social development
Older adults may have to cope with significant life changes, e.g. retirement or death of friends, affecting their social and emotional life