1. Infants: Interaction and Fear
Within the first few months of life, your newborn will begin to develop social skills. At around about 4 to 6 weeks of age, your baby may begin to smile at you. Shortly after that, she will start to smile at other people and at herself in the mirror. Gleeful screams and laughter also help her to interact with other people. Children seem to be fearless when born, but at between 8 and 10 months, they start to demonstrate fear. You'll see this in anxiety around strangers and in your child's preference for familiar people.
2. Toddlers: Companionship and Uncontrollable Emotions
Between the ages of 1 and 2, toddlers become less fearful of strangers. Your child will generally like to have an adult nearby and will enjoy adult attention. While children at this age may enjoy the presence of other children, they will most likely only engage in "parallel play," or playing independently alongside other children.
Between ages 2 and 3, toddlers start to learn that other people have feelings and may become overly affectionate, particularly towards other children. At the same time, their own emotions can get the better of them and lead to aggressive behavior, bossiness, temper tantrums and defiance. Don't be surprised if your 2-year old alternates between hugs and kisses and temper tantrums. While a tendency towards mood swings can last for several more years, your child should become better able to express his emotions constructively as his verbal skills improve.
3. Preschoolers: Cooperation and Individuality
Between ages 3 and 5, your preschooler should develop an understanding of social rules and start developing friendships. Rather than playing alone, she should show signs of cooperation with other children and initiate or join in play. At this time, you can teach the concept of taking turns with others and sharing, but don't expect your child to go along with it every time. Possessiveness is still a common trait at this age. A developing imagination will lead to playing make-believe and making up new games to play. Many preschoolers also talk to themselves or create imaginary friends. Bad behavior such as lying, tattling, name-calling and taunting is common.
4. Kindergarteners: Learning Self-Control
At about 5 years of age, your child should start to demonstrate greater control over his emotions. He should be able to cooperate and share effectively with other children and take turns without being prompted. In kindergarten, children often enjoy playing in groups, though they may focus on one or two special friendships. During this stage, your child may be more obedient to your requests and willing to "put on a show" to entertain others.
