Social, emotional and behavioural development begins at birth and continues into adulthood.
It means being able to:
- express your feelings
- trust others
- show kindness
- have positive interactions with your peers
- have a sense of right and wrong
Babies and toddlers learn social and emotional skills from their parents and family.
These skills include:
- knowing how to comfort someone who is hurt
- learning how to make friends
- being able to express worry, anger and happiness
- learning how to manage disputes
- taking their turn when playing
- following rules and enjoying playtime
Your relationship with your child
The time you spend with your child and how you talk to them will influence their future sense of self. It will also help their social and emotional development.
By having a secure relationship with you, your child will:
- feel more confident exploring their environment
- learn about and understand their feelings
- begin to form new relationships
- be encouraged to become more independent
Understand your child's personality
We inherit some personality traits from our parents. Others are shaped by our world, families and cultures.
It's important to understand your child’s personality. It is unlikely to change.
Spend time with your child
The more time you spend with your child, the more you will understand their personality. This will help you see their strengths as well as areas where they may need support.
Understanding your child can help you when dealing with their behavioural problems.
Avoid negative comments
Avoid making negative comments about your child's behaviours and personality.
Children are often very sensitive to these comments. They want and need your approval.
The way you think and talk about your child will influence how they view themselves.
Having a positive sense of self will improve your child's resilience when they face challenges.
