Prenatal Social/Emotional Milestones

During prenatal development, the fetal brain forms rapidly, creating the structures needed for emotional processing. The baby becomes responsive to sound, rhythm, and even maternal stress hormones. "Parents can begin early bonding by talking, reading, or singing to the baby before birth (March of Dimes, 2023)."

Key Milestones:

  • Neural pathways linked to emotional regulation begin forming.

  • Fetus recognizes rhythms and external sounds.

  • Early bonding patterns begin through caregiver interaction.

Toddlerhood Social/Emotional Milestones

During toddlerhood, children start expressing emotions more clearly. "They begin identifying feelings, showing independence, and practicing early social behaviors such as sharing or playing near peers (NAEYC, 2023)."

Key Milestones:

  • Naming emotions like “happy,” “mad,” or “sad.”

  • Beginning of parallel play with peers.

  • Growing desire for independence.

  • Seeking comfort from caregivers during distress.

Early Childhood Social/Emotional Milestones

Children in early childhood develop stronger communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills. "They become more socially aware and start forming real friendships (Harvard University, 2023)."

Key Milestones:

  • Improved cooperation and turn taking.

  • Understanding others feelings.

  • Growing emotional vocabulary.

  • Beginning to solve simple conflicts with guidance.

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