Social-Emotional Characteristics
Social-Emotional Characteristics That May be Cause for Concern
Under the Age of Two:
- Limited eye contact
- Very few gestures, such as waving and pointing
- Lack of response to name
- Repetitive movements with objects or body
- Lack of showing and sharing
Two Years and Older:
- Oppositional or defiant behavior
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Physical aggression toward peers
- Anxiety
- Emotional dependence (separation distress)
- Timidity or shyness
- Sadness or depression
- Lack of empathy for others
Other Social-Emotional Development Links
Some important social emotional skills are listed below. Resources are available from many organizations. Some recommended sources of information on selected topics are provided through the links below. Each link provides information on a certain topic or offers ideas or activities to help nurture social emotional skills. You may use these resources to develop your child's social emotional skills.
Building Social Adjustment |
Concerns, Stresses, and Coping |
Relationships with Family and Friends |
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Communication / Language Confidence Consoling Cooperation Emotions / Feelings Respect Self-control Self-esteem Self-regulation Social-emotional development Stimulating environment |
Aggression Anger Bullying Challenging behavior Coping skills Dealing with a crisis Distress Fear Grief and loss Separation anxiety Shy / Withdrawn Tantrums |
Father / Father-figures Friendship New baby Peer interactions School readiness Sibling relationships Social interactions |