Is comforted by touch and people’s faces and voices.
Seeks physical and emotional comfort by snuggling in to trusted adults.
Calms from being upset when held, rocked, spoken or sung to with soothing voice.
Shows a range of emotions, such as pleasure, fear and excitement.
Reacts emotionally to other people’s emotions, e.g. smiles when smiled at and becomes distressed if hears another child crying.
Uses familiar adult to share feelings, such as excitement or pleasure, and for ‘emotional refuelling’ when feeling tired, stressed or frustrated.
Growing ability to soothe themselves, and may like to use a comfort object.
Cooperates with caregiving experiences, e.g. dressing.
Beginning to understand ‘yes’, ‘no’ and some boundaries.
Is aware of others’ feelings, for example, looks concerned if hears crying or looks excited if hears a familiar happy voice.
Growing sense of will and determination may result in feelings of anger and frustration which are difficult to handle, e.g. may have tantrums.
Responds to a few appropriate boundaries, with encouragement and support.
Begins to learn that some things are theirs, some things are shared, and some things belong to other people.
Seeks comfort from familiar adults when needed.
Can express their own feelings, such as sad, happy, cross, scared, worried.
Responds to the feelings and wishes of others.
Aware that some actions can hurt or harm others.
Tries to help or give comfort when others are distressed.
Shows understanding and cooperates with some boundaries and routines.
Can inhibit own actions/behaviours, e.g. stop themselves from doing something they shouldn’t do.
Growing ability to distract self when upset, e.g. by engaging in a new play activity.
Aware of own feelings, and knows that some actions and words can hurt others’ feelings.
Begins to accept the needs of others and can take turns and share resources, sometimes with support from others.
Can usually tolerate delay when needs are not immediately met, and understands wishes may not always be met.
Can usually adapt behaviour to different events, social situations and changes in routine.