Child Development Birth to 19 Years

Understanding Emotional and Social Development in Children
Social relationships begin at birth and are evident in the daily interactions between infants, parents, and teachers. Infants are social beings who possess many behaviors that they use to initiate and facilitate social interactions. Everyone uses social behaviors to begin and maintain a relationship with others. Consequently, healthy social development is essential for young children. Regardless of their temperament, all infants are capable of and benefit from social interactions.
Crying is a primary social behavior in infancy. It attracts parents or caregivers and promotes a social interaction of some type and duration, depending on the skill and awareness of the caregiver. Crying also has a survival value; it alerts caregivers to the presence and needs of the infant. However, merely meeting the basic needs of infants in a matter of fact is not sufficient to form a firm base for social development. You must react to infants with enthusiasm, attentiveness, and concern for them as unique persons

Imitation is another social behavior of infants. They have the ability to mimic the facial expressions and gestures of adults. When a mother sticks out her tongue at a baby, after a few repetitions, the baby will also stick out his tongue! This imitative behavior is satisfying to the infant, and the mother is pleased by this interactive game.
For babies, their first opportunities to socialise and form attachments to other people are typically within their core families. Mum and dad can help to make their baby feel safe and secure by offering plenty of attention, right from the start.

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As babies grow into toddlers, many have their first experiences of spending time with other children, typically at a nursery. Social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and approaching others become easier with practice (what doesn't?),

During their first year, babies establish their very first and some would say most important human relationships, those with their parents and other core family members. Many child psychologists stress the value of the socialisation that takes place during this time frame since developing a sense of safety and security early on helps babies to later feel comfortable when forming other bonds. Attentive caregivers who are quick to address a babys needs help the child to feel that the world is a safe place, so letting a baby 'cry it out' is not reccamended.
Finally, it is also important to keep in mind that children vary in social behavior for a variety of reasons. Research indicates that children have distinct personalities and temperaments from birth. In addition, nuclear and extended family relationships obviously affect social behavior. What is appropriate or effective social behavior in one culture may be less effective in another culture. Children from diverse cultural and family backgrounds thus may need help in bridging their differences and in finding ways to learn from and enjoy the company of one another.

Of course, babies are no fools. Just like the rest of us, babies show more enjoyment in socialising when the people around them are happy and upbeat. Parents should look for opportunities to help their little ones interact with other babies their own age, such as seeking out mother/baby play groups. Enjoyable positive interaction with other babies and their cheerful mums will certainly help babies to see the world as a fun-filled place development on all levels.
2 YEARS Making friends. Showing anger in a healthy way. Figuring out conflicts peacefully. Taking care of someone who has been hurt. Waiting patiently. Following rules. Enjoying the company of others. All of these qualities, and more, describe the arc of healthy social-emotional development. Like any skill, young children develop these abilities in small steps over time.
No matter what the child's temperament, it's the harmony between child and a primary caregiver that's most important. The behavior of one influences the response of the other. The special bond between infants and their caregivers is known as attachment. When the attachment is solid, the caregiver provides a secure base for the child's emotional and social growth

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Each type of play in which a child engages will help enhance his/her physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills. Play, regardless of the type, is a child’s chance to practice the many skills that they have learned in “real life” and apply them in safe and fun settings. Children may also learn lessons during play that will pertain to other areas of their lives as well. Play, then is more than just amusing – it is necessary for enhancing children’s development on all levels.