Child Development:

Social and Emotional Development

Child Development - Social and Emotional Development

Introduction:
As we grow older we change; these changes are most visible during infancy and childhood. From birth, babies grow larger and show noticeable development in both their social and intellectual competence. The study of age-related changes in human behaviour is referred to as developmental psychology. Child development refers to the psychological and biological changes that occur in individuals from birth to adolescence. By understanding child development, psychologists know what to expect in infants and children at each developmental stage, and can therefore establish the limitations in infant’s and children’s
Anxiety around strangers may begin to occur as the infant • Infants (7 months):
At this age the infant is generally more mobile, and may start to take notice of other infants around him/her. However this interest will possibly only be exhibited as a quick glance or a grab. The infant may be too busy developing other skills to really take notice of another infant in the same room. Showing anxiety around strangers may start to occur because they really prefer their immediate family to anyone else, especially strangers. • Infants (12 months): As the infant approaches the end of their first year of life, they may begin to appear more ‘needy’, crying when they are left alone and anxious when another person (excluding the father) lifts them up. Separation anxiety can sometimes occur in children between 10 months and 18 months approximately, where the child will prefer the mother to the exclusion of all others.

• Toddler (13 to 23 months):
During this period toddlers becomes interested in the world around them, particularly how it relates to them. They also become interested in other children, especially older children. As toddlers begin to talk, they start to communicate with others and can make friends. They may be seen to imitate their friends and spend a lot of time observing them. However they will be extremely protective of their