Birth to One Year – Social and Emotional Development

The term social refers to a very important aspect of child development which involves the child’s responses to and relationships with other people and the ability to become emotionally mature, well adjusted and independent. 

The emotional development starts as soon as the child becomes able to recognize the mother and hence feels secure in the presence of other people. It is the family’s responsibility to nurture this confidence in family.

This is what to expect:

i.                    At four months, the child can smile at the mother and other familiar people.

ii.                  At nine months, the baby can play alone and enjoys being around familiar people. Some children may be shy with strangers.

iii.                At one year, the child can attract attention. The child can also start showing fear, anger, affection, anxiety and jealous. The child can also cry when restrained.

The parent and family should show as much love as possible and show that they enjoy being with the child. Cuddle the child, love him/her, give the child a feeling of warmth and comfort because this is important for future emotional well being. Respond to the child’s moods by showing that you are sympathetic and interested. Use the right tone of voice.

However, in as much as you want the child to be social, DO NOT force him/her to like people or be sociable with strangers. Do not show indifference to the child’s moods because this gives the child a sense of insecurity. Do not be too concerned about the baby’s babyish eating habits, bowel and bladder functions because this will give the child a sense of failure and hence affect the child’s self confidence. Give the child enough time to grow.