Emotional development - *click below to expand the sections*

• 0-6 months

  Supporting a baby’s emotional development is just as important as looking after their physical needs. From the moment they are born your baby can communicate with you through his or her behaviour – this might be an obvious thing like a cry, or a subtle expression like moving an eyebrow.

  Your baby will be communicating with you and you can support this by listening, watching and turn taking with them.

  You could try:

  • repeating the noises they make
  • cuddling and making eye contact
  • copying the faces they make
  • sticking your tongue out and see if your baby copies
  • try the 'Five to Thrive' approach: talk, play, relax, cuddle and respond

  All your baby’s movements, expressions and responses are the unspoken words of their first language. Babies can’t think like older children but they do experience strong feelings and bodily sensations. They can be very sensitive to their environment, the people around them, the sounds, smells and emotions in the room. 

  The key to understanding your baby’s language is taking the time to watch. As you watch, observe and learn to interpret the meaning of your baby’s cues and behaviours you will soon get to know them, what they are saying and how they would like you to respond. 

• 6-12 months

  Between six and twelve months of age, babies grow and develop rapidly.
  
  Your baby may be learning to roll over, sit up, crawl or walk. All of these changes bring new feelings for you both. Babies learn best when you give them the space and time to explore and creating safe and stimulating environments is important.
  
  During this time your baby might show signs of being ready to try food. You might have a variety of feelings about this as it marks the beginning of a new stage.
  
  This may be a time when you start to think about leaving your baby with other caregivers. It is important to think about how to do this in a way that feels safe for all of you.

• 2-5 Years

  Between the ages of two to five years old there will be lots of changes as your child moves away from babyhood to being able to manage a lot more on their own. Your child may be spending a lot more of their time with other people, going to preschool and nursery. This is a big change for young children.
  
  There are new skills to learn like potty training and speech and language. These new skills will be learnt through play. Enjoy this special time together - you are your child’s first teacher!