Social Development (Under 3 years old)

Social skills are important as they enable children to interact with others and form positive relationships and friendships.

Social skills do not only mean being able to make friends and play ‘nicely’, but also be able to manage their own feelings, resolve conflict and empathise with others, showing understanding, and caring towards their feelings too. Under the age of 3, infants are more likely to learn from adults and older children rather than other children their own age. Therefore, adult interaction in the early days is more important.

Here are some ideas below to support their development:

• Show kindness and give lots of hugs and cuddles
• Smile often
• Use a calm and loving tone when talking to them