Emotional development typically is tied directly to the social development seen in children. Emotional-social development begins in infancy and continues well into adulthood, according to the Child Development Institute. Like other developmental milestones, such as fine and gross motor skills, the standards are to be used as guidelines and not strict rules because each child is an individual and may vary from the normal ranges and continue to develop quite healthily. Instead, parents and caregivers should monitor the emotional development of children in order to notice deviations from the norm and bring them to the attention of a pediatrician or psychologist for a clearer diagnosis.
Infants
During the first two years of life, the basis for emotional and social health is built. According to the Child Development Institute, children who are held and handled lovingly and regularly usually have a better chance of developing a healthy self-esteem and a feeling of safety.
Toddlers
Children in the toddler years, from about 18 months to 4 years, begin experimenting with the world outside of themselves and realize that they are autonomous and have control over their feelings and responses. While a healthy child is proud of her newfound independence, she still has difficulty controlling her environment and responds with tantrums and crying. One of the most common words that parents of toddlers hear during this phase of emotional development is "no."
Preschoolers
By the time children begin preschool, between the ages of 3 and 5, they focus more on the adults in their lives and other children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy preschoolers are full of questions about their environment and every new experience. A child's personality begins to emerge during this period as he develops his individual ways of interacting with other people. Healthy children develop their imagination at this time, while children with stunted emotional development often become fearful and clingy.
School Age
When children enter formal education settings, they learn social rules and behavioral expectations. This stage can continue through eighth or ninth grade and includes the development of self-discipline. Children learn structured play and how to interact with other kids, making friends, learning to share and take turns and how to deal with frustration and anger appropriately. According to the Child Development Institute, children who do not receive sufficient positive reinforcement at home can develop an inferiority complex during this time that affects their future development.
