Social and Emotional Resources

Sharing, making friends, paying attention, expressing emotions, and dealing with challenges successfully are valuable skills that form the foundation for lifelong learning and development. The seeds of these skills – called “social and emotional development” – are sewn through children’s earliest experiences. As caregivers respond sensitively to the needs of their infants, they communicate messages that are vital to helping children feel loved and secure.

Like all skills, social and emotional development takes nurturing. Check out our new resources for simple ways parents and caregivers can help foster children’s healthy social and emotional development right from birth.

Featured Resources

Milestones: Understanding Your Child's Social and Emotional Development from Birth to Age 5

Learn about key social and emotional milestones at various ages from birth to age 5. A strong social and emotional foundation powerfully impacts children’s later positive attitudes, behaviors, and other outcomes.

Fostering Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Young Children

Fun and easy tips for parents and families who want to support their children's social and emotional development from birth to age 5 during their everyday routines.

Resource Directory

Parenting as a Process


Setting Limits with Love



Six Ways Parents Can Raise Empathetic Children


Building Skills to Last a Lifetime


Toxic Stress


Track Your Child's Developmental Milestones


Talking is Teaching Storybook


Tips for Grandparents


"Let's Share Kindness" Toolkit


DJ's Busy Day


Let’s Talk about Art!


Video: How To Write A Lullaby


How to Create Your Own Lullaby


Social and Emotional Development Research Background



Fostering Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Young Children


Video: Build Your Baby's Self-Confidence


Video: Talk During Bathtime


Video: Talk as You Explore


Video: Learn Through the Senses


Video: Talk About Healthy Foods


Video: Talk and Move Together


Video: Play Fun Games with Your Baby


Video: Make Everyday Moments Talking Moments


Video: Sing Your Favorite Songs Together


Video: Have Fun with Sounds and Language


Dual Language Learners: Five Tips for Parents


Tips for Talking with Multiple Children


Playtime Activities Tip Sheet


Tips for Using Language at Home and in the Community

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