Social Development in Infants

4.02

Notes

• A process of learning to show self-expression and how to interact with others

• Begins at 6 weeks

• Describe the differences in emotional and social development.

Influences

Notes

• Actions of parents and caregivers

• Type of care received

• Atmosphere at home

• Behavior toward others

• Forms the child’s personality

Interference

Notes

• Lack of love and attention may cause failure to grow and develop optimally.

• Moods and actions of parents and caregivers

Early Signs

Notes

• Responding to a voice

• Enjoying being picked up

• Responding to cuddling, comforting

• Smiling when a face/person appears

• Crying when a face/person leaves

Promoting

Notes

• Infants learn to imitate and adjust to the actions of people around them.

• Enhance play with siblings and other children

• Imitate positive relationships

Birth – 12 months

Notes

• Birth- not social • Few weeks-see faces, try to make eye contact,

smile at faces and voices• 3 months- cooing sounds to catch attention,

fuss until parents come• 6 months-form an attachment• 10 months-fear of unfamiliar people• 12 months-unable to see anyone else’s point of

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