Understanding Social Development of Infants
Social Development and Learning Social development is the process of learning how to interact and express oneself with others. Communicate well with others Connect with others Show tolerance for others Closely related to emotional development Children who have good feelings about themselves relate well with others Children who relate well to others feel good about themselves.
Sending Clear Messages Cause and Effect is a relationship between events in which one event, the effect, is caused by another event. Example – coo and smiling causes hugs, praise and laughter Sending Clear Messages Consistency Example – babies become confused if the same behavior leads to different responses
Stranger Anxiety A fear of unfamiliar people, usually expressed by crying Allow time for the baby to become comfortable with the new person Never force a baby to be held by an unfamiliar person Babies may exhibit anxiety with a parent that looks different
Social Development Through Play Learn about the world around them Strengthen all areas of growth and development Learn to interact with adults and other children Caregivers strengthen attachment Develops motor skills
Play from Birth to Six Months Play with toys baby can grasp Colorful toys naming the toys colors Toys that make noise/sound Gently shake, stretch and exercise the baby’s arms and legs Follow the baby’s lead – laugh when they laugh, smile…
Play from Six to Twelve Months Peek-a-boo Encourage baby to crawl to toys Read simple books to baby Play silly songs and dance with baby, clap or bounce Buckets to fill up with water, sand or toys – dump out After each play activity, reward the baby for success by showing positive responses and praise.
Create a Safe Play Environment for Infants Free of dangers and with toys that are safe and interesting Safety gates for stairs or to section off safe areas Babies (0-6 mon) Toys that are colorful and that move around and make noise Babies (6-12) Toys that push or pull
Choose Safe Toys Avoid toys with small parts (toilet paper test) Sturdy Clean
Social Development Through Exploration Exploration through all senses