Social and Emotional Development

By 9 months, most children:

• Exhibit the ability to wait for a desired object or person

By 18 months, most children:

• Amuse themselves for a short period of time
• Respond to verbal requests to alter their behavior, sometimes continuing with the behavior and sometimes accepting the redirection
• Say “no” to express their unwillingness (or sign “no” if they have been taught to sign)

By 24 months, most children:

• Respond to redirection most of the time
• Once redirected, change focus to the new object, person, or play
• Participate in routines with adult guidance

By 36 months, most children:

• Follow simple rules most of the time
• Control impulses (e.g., walking around—rather than through—a puddle when directed)
• Adapt their behavior to the environment (e.g., shifting from an “outside voice” to an “inside voice”)
• Adjust to changes in daily routines with preparation and adult assistance

By 48 months, most children:

• Usually follow classroom rules and expectations
• Adjust to changes in routines and activities
• Ask or wait for adult permission before doing something they are unsure about
• Use materials with purpose, safety, and respect
• Can delay having desires met (e.g., agreeing to the use of a timer to indicate their turn for a computer)
• Stop an engaging activity to transition to another less desirable activity with adult guidance and support

By 60 months, most children:

• With adult assistance, demonstrate control over actions, words, and emotions in response to a situation
• Follow rules and apply them to new situations and environments (e.g., putting their coat in a cubby at school but hanging it on a peg at home)
• Participate in group activities for increasing amounts of time
• Consistently demonstrate the ability to stop an engaging activity to transition to another less desirable activity