Throughout Childhood, there are many developmental milestones.  The milestones that significantly influence older children include those that happen in Infancy, Toddlerhood and Early Childhood. Each stage has many social-emotional milestones, and these are influenced greatly by genetics, environment and the adults around them.  In Infancy, babies start expressing the very basics of emotions and as they get older are learning how to use them in each unique situation. For example, around 3 months, they are crying when expressing frustration or hunger and smiling at people closest to them. Around 4-6 months, they are imitating movements and facial expressions when interacting with adults (American Academy of Pediatrics. 2021, April 2). 

   They are also forming attachments and bonding and building trust. Depending on how much bonding and attachment there is will determine how they begin to develop socially and emotionally. Through these attachments and learning emotions they are learning how to self-soothe and can recognize more situations becoming more comfortable with others (American Academy of Pediatrics. 2021, April 2).  

In Toddlerhood, some of the social-emotional milestones are expressing more emotions such as laugher, excitement, anger, sadness and recognizing others' emotions. For example, they are recognizing and showing affection towards others (CDC. 2022, February 7).  They are also observing what others are doing and mimicking what they are doing including imaginative play. Depending on their environment, what a child sees and learns socially and emotionally now will help them in middle childhood and adolescence. 

In Early Childhood, a child is becoming more independent. They are learning to regulate their emotions in various situations. For example, a child who has a solid attachment to others, is able to remain calm when separated from their parents and introduced to new situations.  At this age, they are also interested in meeting others of the same age and want to play with them (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023).   They are building on their imaginations and becoming more aware of all their surroundings and capabilities. Children in early childhood who have met all their social emotional milestones can effectively have small conversations with other children and adults and perceive their emotions reacting responsibly. In early childhood, they are preparing socially and emotionally for higher learning and more peer engagement.