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.
Social and emotional skills matter at every stage of our lives. Skills such as the ability to manage emotions, get on with others, and focus attention during the pre-school years are important in supporting children to enjoy early childhood and be ready for school.
Longitudinal cohort studies have shown that well-developed social and emotional skills are associated with a range of positive outcomes… better physical health, personal finances, reductions in substance dependence and criminal offending.
Children’s brains and bodies develop rapidly in pregnancy and the first five years of life. This development is shaped by their environments, relationships, and experiences.
What happens in early childhood can have lasting impacts on how we function, form relationships, and react to the world around us throughout our lives, especially in times of stress and adversity.
If we can respond well to stressful situations, we can cope better in adversity. And if we can build healthy connections and relationships, we can maintain strong networks of people who see us through good times and bad.
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.
