What is social and emotional development?
Social and emotional skills are a range of skills that shape who we are, how we manage our emotions and thoughts, how we communicate and relate to others, and how we explore the world around us. These are skills which are enhanced and refine throughout our lives, but their foundations are firmly rooted in early childhood. Social and emotional skills begin to develop from before birth and can be strengthened throughout our lives.
Social and emotional development in early childhood is critical for later outcomes: children are developing skills that will enable them to seize opportunities for learning and development and support them to thrive throughout life.
The social and emotional skills developed in early childhood are foundations for the development of a wide range of other abilities, functions, and behaviours. They are the basis of what is known as developmental cascades.
Whilst early childhood is vital for social and emotional development, many social and emotional skills are complex and will not develop fully until later in life. As we encounter new situations and experiences we continue to refine and enhance our social and emotional skills and capabilities throughout our lives.
What is social and emotional development?
Social and emotional skills are a range of skills that shape who we are, how we manage our emotions and thoughts, how we communicate and relate to others, and how we explore the world around us. These are skills which are enhanced and refine throughout our lives, but their foundations are firmly rooted in early childhood.
Why is social and emotional development important?
Social and emotional skills are fundamental to wellbeing and development. They enable us to be happy, to build strong and loving relationships, and to do the things that fulfil us. They help us to be healthier and to achieve better outcomes in education and work.
How do we develop our social and emotional development skills?
Relationships and interactions between caring adults and babies or young children are the most influential factor in shaping social, emotional, and cognitive development in early childhood. Children need connection in order to develop and thrive.
