Emotional Development Milestones in Young Kids

Growing up, kids go through important emotional development milestones. These milestones help them learn how to express their feelings, make friends, and handle tough situations. Here are some key milestones to look out for:

1. Infancy (0-1 year):

   • Building Bonds: Babies start to connect with their caregivers. This bond is really important for helping them feel safe.
   • Basic Feelings: Even from a young age, babies can show feelings like happiness, anger, and fear. These early emotions give us clues about how they feel inside.

2. Toddlers (1-3 years):

   • Expressing Themselves: Toddlers learn how to say what they like and don’t like. For example, they often say “no” when they don’t want something.
   • Managing Emotions: Kids at this age start to find ways to deal with their feelings. They might learn how to calm down after being upset.

3. Preschool (3-5 years):

   • Understanding Others: Preschoolers begin to grasp how their friends feel. You might see this when they comfort a friend who is crying.
   • Playing Together: They also get better at playing with others. This includes learning how to share and take turns.

Knowing these milestones can really help caregivers support kids in developing their emotional health!