Social Development
Social Milestones in Boys and and Girls-What’s Typical?
While every child develops at their own pace, general milestones can serve as a “guide” for typical social development.
Boys Age 5-7
Play games with simple rules
Are capable of taking turns and sharing, but may not always want to
Strong emotions are often expressed physically during play
May exclude other children in play
May use “bathroom” words to get peer attention
Sometimes can be critical of other children and embarrassed by own mistakes
Tend to play with one or two children at a time (may become bossy or upset if other children try to join)
Likes to test strength and motor skills, but may not be emotionally ready for competition
Boys Age 8-10
Close friends seem to be same gender
Being with friends becomes more important
Begin to identify peers at friends/enemies
Become more comfortable with playing games with abstract rules
Begin to notice the impact of choices and behaviors on others
Become more competent at handling conflict independently
Girls Age 5-7
Fantasy play is a part of socialization
Friendships for Kindergarten girls are formed because they might like the same color or snack-friendships form easily
Friendships for 1st grade girls are formed because they might like to sit next to each other at the table, at lunch, or on the bus
Second grade girls form friendships with all the girls in their class; ”Everyone is my friend.”
Girls Age 8-10
Friendships are based on what they do (activities, interests, sports)
Girls become more selective about who is a friend
Girls lose, get hurt by, or hurt friends - all of this is normal!
Girls may compete with others for who will become a friend
Increased need for privacy
Peer pressure begins
Increased maturity and independence in solving peer problems