Social/Emotional

“Shows off’ for attention

Responds to name when called

Shows changes in facial expressions

Likes to hand things to others as play

May have temper tantrums

May be afraid of strangers

Shows affection to familiar people

Plays simple pretend, such as feeding a doll

Claps hands together in response to social play

Enjoys playing with new toys

May cling to caregivers in new situations

Points to show others something interesting

Explores alone but with parent close by

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Enjoys playing at the playground

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Able to transition to a new environment or activity

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Able to self sooth when upset

Cognitive

Knows what ordinary things are for (i.e., telephone, brush)

Points to get the attention of others

Shows interest in a doll in or stuffed animal by pretending to feed

Points to a few body parts

Scribbles independently

Can follow 1-step verbal commands without any gestures (i.e., “Sit down”)

Our sensory and motor skills play a big role in how we mature socially, emotionally, and cognitively. For this reason, some motor and sensory milestones for this age group are also listed below as they are intricately entangled in your child's social/emotional and coginivite development.