How can I help my child’s social-emotional development?

Parents help to nurture social-emotional skills so kids develop healthy relationships with friends and family members. Even as a baby, your little one is picking up on how you respond to their social and emotional needs. They feel safe at home and in your presence. They learn how to empathize, respond to the emotions of others, and say “I’m sorry” by following your lead.

Here's what you can do to help your child's social-emotional development:

• Be a model of the emotions and behaviors you want your child to show. You are your child’s first teacher and they look up to you as a role model.

• Be responsive to your child’s emotions and behaviors. Responding will help to develop trust between you and your child.

• Ask open-ended questions, such as “What would you do?” to help develop problem-solving skills.

• Use stories to talk to your child about different social situations and how each person might be feeling.

• Encourage kids to try new things and learn how much they can do.

• Play games to teach kids how to take turns, win and lose, share, and negotiate. Ask yourself these questions when choosing a game for family game night.

• Ask your child questions when they are upset. These questions can be about why they are upset, or offering alternatives to understand the root of their unhappiness. For example, “Would you like to brush your teeth or take a bath first?”

• Sit with your childwhen using a screen (not recommended before 18 months) and make it a social activity, e.g. asking them questions or playing turn-taking games.