Feelings &
Relationships
From their very first days, your child is a social being.
The relationships they build with you and other caring adults shapes how they see themselves and how to handle life’s big challenges. Every warm moment you share, a smile, a cuddle, a game of peek-a-boo, is building something that lasts.
Infants: Birth to 1 Year
Babies are born ready to connect. The most important thing in your baby’s world is you.
Your baby already has feelings, and they’re already reading yours. They can begin to calm down when spoken to or picked up, seem happy to see you, and smile when talked to. When you respond consistently to their cries, your baby learns something powerful: the world is safe, and I can count on you.
Your baby is becoming more social and expressive. They smile to get your attention, laugh when you try to make them giggle, and use sounds and movements to stay engaged with you. By 6 months, they recognize familiar faces, enjoy looking at themselves in a mirror, and are beginning to understand the emotions on your face.
Your baby’s emotional world is expanding. They may get anxious around unfamiliar people and reach for you when someone they don’t know comes close. This is completely normal and healthy, it means your baby knows you are their safe person.
Something to Notice
Birth to 1 Year
Does your baby smile back at you? Show excitement when they see a familiar face? Look at you when something new or surprising happens?
Something to Try
Birth to 1 Year
Name the emotions your baby shows like frustration, excitement, or fear. “You’re frustrated that toy won’t do what you want.” Putting feelings into words helps your baby’s brain learn to process emotions.
Toddlers: 1 - 3 Years
Toddlers are figuring out who they are, and that’s big, exciting, and sometimes messy work. This is a time of growing independence, big feelings, and an increasing interest in other people.
Your toddler loves games like pat-a-cake and is starting to copy what other children do. They may bring you a favorite toy to share, clap when they’re excited, and show affection through hugs and cuddles. They’re also beginning to notice other children and show real interest in being around them, even if they’re not quite playing with them yet.
Your toddler is testing their independence, moving away from you to explore, but looking back to make sure you’re still there. They point to show you interesting things, and they want to help with simple tasks like picking up toys. This is also when tantrums often begin. Big feelings are real feelings, and your toddler doesn’t yet have the words or brain development to manage them alone. Your calm presence makes a big difference.
Your toddler is starting to notice when others are hurt or upset, pausing or looking sad when someone cries. They look at your face to see how to react in new situations.
Your child is beginning to play more actively with other children, follow simple routines, and show pride in what they can do.
Something to Notice
1 - 3 Years
Does your child show affection? Notice when others are upset? Start to play alongside or with other children? Look to you for reassurance in new situations?
Something to Try
1 - 3 Years
When your toddler has a meltdown, stay calm and close. Afterward, name what happened, “You were angry when we had to leave the park. That was really hard.” You’re helping them give names to the big things they feel.
Preschoolers: 3 - 5 Years
Preschoolers are becoming little social beings with real friendships, real empathy, and a growing understanding of rules, roles and relationships
Your child is starting to engage in pretend play which is an important way to develop empathy. They seek out other children to play with, comfort friends who are hurt or sad, and are beginning to understand that different places call for different behavior. They’re also learning the mechanics of getting along, waiting for a turn, sharing, playing games with simple rules. This takes practice, and that’s okay. It’s supposed to.
Your child’s friendships are becoming more meaningful. They want to be like their friends, follow the rules of games, and are starting to do simple chores at home. They may sing, dance, or perform for you, and they love an enthusiastic audience.
Something to Notice
3 - 5 Years
Does your child engage in pretend play? Seek out friends? Show empathy when someone is hurt? Begin to follow rules and take turns?
Something to Try
3 - 5 Years
Read books together with characters who show different feelings. After, ask “How do you think they felt? What would you have done?” Stories are one of the safest places for children to explore big emotions.
Find Support
Explore these helpful resources to find friendly, expert support in your own community.
Learn More
Find Support
Explore these helpful resources to find friendly, expert support in your own community.