9.1: Social and Emotional Milestones

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That expanding understanding of themselves and others develops with age. Here is a table of social and emotional milestones that children typically experience during early childhood.

Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Social and Emotional Milestones (Developmental Milestones by the CDC is in the public domain)
Typical Age	What Most Children Do by This Age
3 years	Copies adults and friends Shows affection for friends without prompting Takes turns in games Shows concern for a crying friend Dresses and undresses self Understands the idea of “mine” and “his” or “hers” Shows a wide range of emotions Separates easily from mom and dad May get upset with major changes in routine
4 years	Enjoys doing new things Is more and more creative with make-believe play Would rather play with other children than by self Cooperates with other children Plays “mom” or “dad” Often can’t tell what’s real and what’s make-believe Talks about what she likes and what she is interested in
5 years	Wants to please friends Wants to be like friends More likely to agree with rules Likes to sing, dance, and act Is aware of gender Can tell what’s real and what’s make-believe Shows more independence Is sometimes demanding and sometimes very cooperative

Many things influence how children develop those milestones as how they view themselves and how they interact with those around them changes. Let’s look more at these.