This area of development involves learning to interact with
other people, and to understand and control your own emotions. Developing the
ability to control your emotions and behavior is also a long process. Children
continue to develop their social-emotional skills well into their teenage
years, or even young adulthood.
The following are some of the typical developmental
milestones for children 3-4 years of age.
- Share toys and taking turns
- Initiate or join in play with other children
- Follow simple rules in games, but will always want to win
- Begin dramatic play, acting out being animals or taking a trip
- Might be bossy and defiant
- Show more independence
- Experience a broad range of emotions (i.e. fear, happiness, jealousy, anger)
- Become more even-tempered and cooperative with parents
- May show attachment to one friend
Red Flags
- Not able to initiate or join in play with other children
- Not able to share with other children
- Dependent on caregivers for everything
- Extremely “rigid” about routines, and becomes extremely upset when things are changed
- Has extreme difficulty separating from you
- Is too passive or fearful, and does not want to try things other same age children are doing
- Has extreme fears that interfere with daily activities
If you notice any of these by the time your child is 4 years
old, you may want to talk to your doctor, or another health professional such
as a mental health clinician, a speech-language pathologist, an occupational
therapist, or a psychologist.
