Social development through the life stages from birth to old age
Birth and infancy
0-3 years
From 0-3 months, babies are comforted by familiar adults most likely to be their parents in which
they form a connection with. They show pleasure and smile in response to social interaction. Positive
response when touched. At 3-6 months they are able to interact by playing peek-a-boo. The baby
will show excitement by waving arms and legs and smile increasing more around recognised faces.
At 6-9 months, the child is able to distinguish friends from strangers. 2-3 years children begin to push
parent’s boundaries and begin to react with temper tantrums. The children are testing to see if the
parents still love them by discovering the limits the parents will go to keep them safe.
Childhood
4-9 years
At the age of 5, children learn co-operative play by beginning to learn social development by
interacting with others and through this they form friendships. Between 5-6 years children are
willing to play cooperatively, take turns and share. By the age of 7 they become aware of different
families with their individual rules. At this age they prefer same sex friendships. By 7- 8 children can
distinguish between fantasy and reality, form a sense of humour and enjoy telling jokes with friends.
They show interest in joining a club or sports team and are able to play in a group of children as well
as one child. By 7-9 years understand manners, respect and are able to sort problems.
Adolescents
10-18 years….
Birth and infancy
0-3 years
From 0-3 months, babies are comforted by familiar adults most likely to be their parents in which
they form a connection with. They show pleasure and smile in response to social interaction. Positive
response when touched. At 3-6 months they are able to interact by playing peek-a-boo. The baby
will show excitement by waving arms and legs and smile increasing more around recognised faces.
At 6-9 months, the child is able to distinguish friends from strangers. 2-3 years children begin to push
parent’s boundaries and begin to react with temper tantrums. The children are testing to see if the
parents still love them by discovering the limits the parents will go to keep them safe.
Childhood
4-9 years
At the age of 5, children learn co-operative play by beginning to learn social development by
interacting with others and through this they form friendships. Between 5-6 years children are
willing to play cooperatively, take turns and share. By the age of 7 they become aware of different
families with their individual rules. At this age they prefer same sex friendships. By 7- 8 children can
distinguish between fantasy and reality, form a sense of humour and enjoy telling jokes with friends.
They show interest in joining a club or sports team and are able to play in a group of children as well
as one child. By 7-9 years understand manners, respect and are able to sort problems.
Adolescents
10-18 years….
