Guide to Children's Social-Emotional Milestones
Briefly

Children's emotional development progresses significantly from toddlerhood to kindergarten, showcasing various milestones. At two years, toddlers react strongly as they learn emotions are temporary. By four, they expand their emotional vocabulary, enhancing their ability to communicate needs. Five-year-olds exhibit empathy, comforting peers in distress. Six-year-olds are capable of experiencing mixed emotions, reflecting advanced emotional understanding. This progression varies culturally, emphasizing the importance of adjusting expectations based on individual development rather than rigid age guidelines.
Toddlers experience intense emotions and resistance, which is normal as they learn feelings are temporary and manageable, paving the way for emotional growth.
Four-year-olds develop a richer emotional vocabulary, allowing them to better articulate their needs, leading to improved communication about feelings.
By five, children show compassion and empathy in interactions, such as comforting peers, indicating a greater understanding of others' emotions.
Six-year-olds begin to grasp complex emotional experiences, such as feeling both excited and nervous, illustrating their deepening understanding of emotional nuances.
Read at Psychology Today
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