Toddlerhood, Early Childhood and Middle childhood

Social-emotional development involves the learning to understand, express and manage emotions (Misirliyan et al., 2026).

Toddlerhood (1-3)

Social: Imitates others such as adults and older children., plays alongside other children, back and forth interactions. 

Emotional: Shows increased independence and experiences short-lived emotions. 

Begins showing empathy by recognizing when others are hurt or sad. 

Early Childhood (3-5)

Social: Initiates playing with peers, shares toys (with encourgament) and understands turn-taking better than toddlers. 

Emotional: Gains better control over emotions, although tantrums may still occur, and they express their emotions more verbally rather than just physically. 

Begins to form friendships and determines a "best friend".

 

Middlehood (6-10)

Social: Friendships become more important, moving to more interest and trust into people. 

Emotional: Experiences pride in accomplishment and shame in failure. 

Learns to manage complex emotions and understands others perspectives better, and shows greater empathy.