Every parent wonders if their child’s social development is on track. Are they making friends? Do they understand empathy? Can they handle conflict?
This checklist for social development in children helps you understand age-appropriate milestones and spot areas where your child may need extra support.
Why Social Development Matters
Social development isn’t just about being outgoing—it’s about forming relationships, understanding emotions, cooperating with others, and navigating complex social dynamics. These skills are foundational for success in school, relationships, and adulthood.
Early Childhood (Ages 3–5)
- Engages in parallel play, then starts interactive play
- Learns to share and take turns (with reminders)
- Uses simple words to express wants and needs
- Begins to show empathy when others are upset
- Understands the concept of “friend”
Middle Childhood (Ages 6–9)
- Forms close friendships, often with strong emotional bonds
- Understands and follows rules in games and group settings
- Resolves simple conflicts with guidance
- Recognizes others’ feelings and perspectives
- Begins to feel peer pressure or desire to “fit in”
Late Childhood (Ages 10–12)
- Builds loyalty and trust in friendships
- Demonstrates empathy without being prompted
- Can compromise and negotiate during disagreements
- Understands social nuances like sarcasm or group hierarchy
- Shows concern about social status or acceptance
When to Be Concerned
You might want to seek guidance if your child:
- Avoids social interaction entirely
- Has frequent, intense meltdowns during peer conflict
- Can’t maintain friendships beyond a few days or weeks
- Shows no awareness or interest in how others feel
- Is consistently rejected or isolated by peers
These may be signs of a delay, anxiety, or a neurodevelopmental condition like autism or ADHD.