Social & Emotional Development

Does your child:	Yes	Not Yet
...use words to solve problems when angry or frustrated?
...use words such as "please", "thank you" and "excuse me"?
...attempt new tasks knowing it's okay to make mistakes?
...do things for her/ himself (e.g., dress self, put away toys and belongings, take care of own toilet needs)?
...have success in taking turns and sharing?
...interact appropriately with peers and have friends?
...ask for help when necessary?
...stay with an activity to completion? (e.g., finish a picture, build something with blocks/ Legos)
...follow through when you give directions?
...comply with rules, limits, and routines?
...interact appropriately with adults?
...respect the rights, property, and feelings of others?

Social & Emotional Development Tips

Children must be socially ready for school. Parents can help their children get ready for school by giving them the opportunity to be part of a group of children, whether in a playground or a preschool classroom. Children need to know how to: take turns, make compromises, approach familiar children, obey those in authority (principals and teachers) and generally be able to get along with others.

Parents can help this process by:

Remembering discipline is teaching your child how to behave rather than punishing her/ him for misbehavior.
Remembering to always love your child and let her/ him know it's the misbehavior you dislike.
Having high, yet realistic, expectations for your child. Understanding your child's limits.
Letting your child know exactly what is expected.
Treating your child and others with respect, and being a good example.
Being positive by using praise and encouragement. Accepting your child's honest efforts without criticism.
Letting your child know what she/he SHOULD do, as well as what she/ he should NOT do.
Showing your love to your child frequently.
Giving hugs and smiles, and spending happy times together.
Helping your child find words to describe feelings.
Letting your child know their feelings are okay.
Teaching acceptable ways of expressing feelings.
Telling your child when, she/ he does things right.
Involving your child in choosing daily clothing, dressing, and taking care of personal needs whenever possible.
Telling your child about the fun things you remember from school.
Setting the tone that learning is good, fun, and important.
Encouraging your child to attempt new tasks and supporting her/ him when she/ he is unsuccessful.
Providing opportunities for your child to be with other children such as joining a play group, going to story time at the library or playing at the park.
Describing ways your child can solve disagreements with others.
Showing your child how to be a friend.
Modeling the use of words such as please, thank you, and excuse me.
Giving your child small responsibilities around your home (making her/his bed, picking up toys, emptying trash, taking care of pets, helping in the yard).
Letting your child know you respect her/him for being responsible

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Social & Emotional Development

Social & Emotional Development Tips