Social-Emotional Milestones

There are many social-emotional milestones to look for with children from infancy to early childhood.

Infancy

By 4 months, babies smile socially at familiar people and close caregivers.

By 6 months, babies may reach for familiar people

By 9 months, many children show strong attachments to familiar caregivers.

By 12 months, they may play back-and-forth games like peak-a-boo and patty cake.

(Pathways.Org | Social-Emotional Development: How Baby Builds Connection, 2026)

By 18 months, toddlers may start to show early empathy

By 24 months, toddlers may use words like "No" and "Mine" to claim ownership while playing with others or when other kids approach their toy.

By 36 months, they start to take turns more meaningfully and play socially appropriately with other peers.

(Pathways.Org | Social-Emotional Development: How Baby Builds Connection, 2026)

By 3 years old, children will notice peers playing and will attempt to join them on their own (CDC, 2025).

By 5 years old, children will follow rules and take turns with other children (CDC, 2026).

By 8 years old, children will build established friendships and begin learning how to navigate peer pressure (kidcentral tn, 2018).