Social Development

The First Year

Social Development

The process of learning to interact with others

Expressing oneself to others

Social Development

A person with healthy social development:

- Can communicate well with others

- Listens to different points of view before acting

1 Month

When lifted or touched, most babies stop crying

2 Months

Babies will be able to see clearly and enjoy watching and interacting with a caregiver.

3 Months

Babies turn their head in response to a voice

4 Months

Babies laugh out loud

5 Months

Babies show an increased interest in family members other than parents

6 Months

Babies love company and attention

7 Months

Babies prefer parents over other family members or strangers

Stranger Anxiety

A fear of unfamiliar peopleShows that baby’s memory is improving

Stranger Anxiety

Click on image for video (1:11 minutes)

8 Months

Babies prefer to be in a room with other people

9-10 Months

Babies crawl after their parents

Enjoy being chased

Enjoy throwing toys over and over

11-12 MonthsOften friendly and

happy

Sensitive to others’ emotions

Know how to influence and adjust to emotions

Tolerant of strangers

Intersection Fact: Baylor University Study

Abused and neglected children who failed to receive love, touch, and opportunities for learning had brains 20-30% smaller than

average

Failure to Thrive Results from lack of love and attention

Not able to develop caring, meaningful relationships as adults

The Effects of Child Neglect

Danielle Crocket 6 years old 46 pounds

Malnourished and anemic She couldn't talk; she just grunted

Click on image for video (7:30)

Helping Babies develop socially and emotionally

Your turn: What are some things a parent/caregiver can do to help

children ages birth-1 year develop socially and emotionally?

Quality Time

Playing games with your baby is a great way to spend quality time together.

Looking Games

Listening Games

Baby Exercises

Hide and Seek

Peek-a-Boo