E1.1 Normative age/stage Developmental Patterns of Physical Development

What is emotional development?

As a child grows, they become more aware of others and start to accommodate new information about others’ behaviours and emotions.

Who is Paul Ekman and what did he suggest?

An American psychologist who suggested that there are 6 primary emotions: fear, anger, surprise, happiness, disgust and sadness. Each of these emotions are associated with other emotions.

• Fear is associated with being scared, anxious, rejected or insecure

What are primary emotions?

Basic, instinctive, innate emotions which are expressed in the first year of life, these are universal.

• Immediate responses to a stimulus, such as something that happens

• As we develop them, they help us handle fundamental life tasks (e.g. fear and ager help us decide to either run to safety or fight to defend ourselves)

• E.g. happy, angry, sad

What are secondary emotions?

Reactions to primary emotions, more complex responses which often require self awareness.

• E.g. feeling guilty for being angry, emerge by the age of 2

What are the emotional milestones at 0-6 months?

• Recognizes caregivers: May be quiet or become more alert when hearing a familiar voice

• Social smile emerges: Smiles in response to human faces or voices (a major emotional milestone)

• Using different cries and facial expressions to express emotions; such as hunger, tiredness or being uncomfortable

• Self soothing begins: May suck on thumb for comfort

• Begins to anticipate routines: Shows recognition of feeding or play times

What are the emotional milestones at 6-12 months?

• Attachment strengthens: Shows clear preference for primary caregivers

• Express more emotions: Happiness, anger, fear, and frustration are shown more clearly

• Starting to recognise and respond to the emotions of others

• Recognises familiar vs unfamiliar people: may show wary or fear around strangers (stranger anxiety)

• Seperation anxiety begins: May cry or become distressed when a parent leaves

What are the emotional milestones at 12 months - 2 years?

• Comfort others: Tries to help or show concern when someone is hurt or sad

• Separation anxiety peaks: May become upset when a caregiver leaves but calms when they return

• Shows affection: Gives hugs and kisses, enjoys being close to familiar people

• Self-awareness develops: Recognises self in a mirror or photo, begins using their own name or “me”

• Expresses a wide range of emotions: Happiness, anger, fear, jealousy, and excitement are common

What are the emotional milestones at 2 -3yrs?

• Tantrums are common (crying, kicking and biting)

• Seeks approval: Enjoys praise and may repeat actions that please adults

• Confidence grows and children can be separated rom their parents and carers more easily, but will still need some reassurance

• Developing pride and shame: Begins to feel proud of accomplishments and embarrassed by mistakes

What are the emotional milestones at 3-4yrs?

• Develops imagination: May have imaginary friends or fears related to pretend play (e.g. monsters, darkness)

• Begins moral awareness: Understands simple ideas or right and wrong based on emotional consequences

• Enjoys cooperative play: Takes turns, shares, and negotiates role in group play - an important step for emotional and social growth

• Beings emotional self-regulation: Can use simple strategies (deep breathing, asking for help, distraction) to calm down

What are the emotional milestones at 4-5yrs?

• Forms close friendships: Begins to prefer certain friends, showing loyalty and emotional attachment

• Understands complex emotions: Recognises mixed feelings (e.g. being happy and sad at the same time)

• Understands others’ perspectives: Begins to see that other people may think or feel differently (theory of mind emerging)

• Growing impendence: Can separate more easily from their parents

What are the emotional milestones at 5-6yrs?

• Understands complex emotions: Recognises feelings like jealousy, embarrassment, pride, and guilt more clearly

• Improved self-regulation: Can calm down after being upset without much or any adult help

• Desire for approval: They become aware of others’ opinions and often seek praise from adults and peers for good behaviour

What are the emotional milestones at 6-7yrs?

• Discussing emotions: They talk about mixed emotions (e.g. feeling happy and nervous at the same time)

• Increased independence in emotional expression: They begin handling small conflicts or disappointments without immediately turning to adults

• Developing moral emotions: Feelings such as guilt, shame or pride become more pronounced and linked to their sense of right and wrong

What are the emotional milestones at 7-8yrs?

• Improved empathy and perspective-taking: They can see situations from another person’s point of view and respond with genuine concern

• Coping with criticism and failure: They start to handle setbacks more maturely, using problem-solving and self-talk to manage emotions

• Stronger self-concept: Children develop a clearer sense of who they are and how they differ from others emotionally and socially