Emotional development

A newborn baby is able to show simple emotions such as distress or excitement. As they interact socially, their range and complexity of emotions develops further. Around 8 months, a baby learns to anticipate interactions and can start to show fear as well as excitement. Displaying affection and temper tantrums, born of frustration can start at around 18 months.

Attachment to significant care givers is an important aspect of emotional development and separation anxiety starts to develop at around 8 months. This lessens as the child starts school but may still be evident when a child is stressed.

The ability for a child to understand who they are develops gradually. Many 5 year olds define themselves based on how they look or what skills they have. By 8 years, a child has developed a global sense of worth and may feel inferior if the goals they set themselves aren't reached.

Adolescents typically start to enjoy more responsibility. Peer pressure is very important at this age. The young person tries to become more independent, seemingly moving away from their immediate family. Boundaries are pushed and risk taking behaviours may be experimented with. Conflict with family members can be common.