Your Baby and Emotional & Social Milestones

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

21 Oct 2006 10:38 AM

This is a check list of milestones for social and emotional behavior. It is a guideline. It is NOT the be all and end all to what your baby should be doing. I see many moms, especially new ones, rush to the doctor as soon as their child has missed something a chart says they should be doing.

Childhood development is not an exact science. If little junior doesn't hit a couple markers it's probably not a big deal. In fact four of my five children have missed a few markers by months. Interestingly, they've hit a few markers a few months in advance as well. With that said, if your child is missing all of his/her markers or he/she is hitting all of them late, it is worth noting to your pediatrician.

3 Months

Emotional: From birth your little one experiences fear and contentment. What next develops is deliberate responses (anger, happiness, etc.) Infants also begin smiling at familiar faces around them.

Social: Your baby should turn to look at you when you make sounds and facial expressions.

Game to play: Talk to your baby as you move your face around to try to capture his/her attention. One of our favorites is "Near Far" where we move close to, and then away from the baby as we say the correct words.

5-6 Months

Emotional: Babies should display other emotions in a broader range, such as surprise, joy, and frsutration.

Social: Your baby should seem happy or pleased when he/she sees his favorite people.

Game to play: Sometimes less is more. Use facial expressions, singing or anything else to get your baby to break into a big smile.

10 Months

Emotional: Babies begin to follow their parents gazes to find out what they're interested in.

Social: At this point your baby should be actively trying to engage you. Reaching out to be picked up, or initiating little games like peek a boo are good examples. It was around this age that my twins started playing "hid around the corner" so I could find them.

Game to play: Mirror your baby by noting the sounds and funny faces your baby makes. See what he/she does when you do them back to him.

18 Months

Emotional: Toddlers become more self-aware. They will likely begin to experience pride or defiance. Despite the cliché, the "terrible twos" likely will start well before 24 months.

Social: Your toddler should look for you to meet his needs. While he's likely playing on his own more and more, he'll still want you there to hold his hand, grab a sippy cup, or kiss a boo boo. I once heard someone describe this age as the "leaving the nest" age. Independence is a big deal, but they want to know that there is a safety net, or nest to come back to. Providing a balance between both will go a long way towards a socially well adjusted little tyke.

Game to play: Create a problem that your child needs to help solve. Or, create a story that your child needs to finish. Create interest by involving his favorite toy.

Related Articles:

The Inner Workings of Baby's Minds Part i

The Inner Workings of Baby's Minds Part III

The Inner Workings of Baby's minds Part II

Socializing the Stay at Home Baby

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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