Social Development
Social development begins with the excitement of being around other children by age 2. However, most children at this age play near each other rather than with each other.
By age 5, most children seek and enjoy friendships. Often they identify a playmate as their “best friend,” although their choice may change frequently. 2-year olds start to recognize differences between boys and girls. By age 5, children understand their own differences and often like to dress or play in ways that they identify with their gender. As you watch your child grow, it helps to remember that each child develops at his or her own pace, and the range of “normal” is quite wide. A delay in one area (e.g. speech), is likely to influence development in other areas (e.g. social).
Contact your child’s doctor if you are concerned about a delay. In addition, watch for any loss of skills that have already been learned.
CALL A DOCTOR IF:
By 3 months, your child :
• Does not smile at people
• Does not pay attention to new faces or seems frightened by them
By 7 months, your child :
• Shows no affection or enjoyment around people
• Cannot be comforted at night (after 5 months)
• Does not smile without being prompted (by 5 months)
• Does not laugh or squeal (by 6 months)
• Is not interested in games of peekaboo (by 8 months)
By 1 year, your child :
• Does not respond to sounds, smiles or facial expressions (at 9 months)
• Does not reciprocate gestures; waving, reaching or pointing
