Why Social-Emotional Connections Are Important for Healthy Childhood Development

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Disclaimer :: My Health My Resources (MHMR) of Tarrant County sponsored and crafted this post about social-emotional connections in children and other developmental milestones.

ECI sponsorPhysical milestones are important in a child’s development, but social-emotional health is just as important. Here’s why.

A child’s relationship with his or her parents and other family members is very important. For a child, this relationship is where trust starts and where getting along with others begins. This helps the child form close relationships, share emotions, explore the world, and feel calm.

If you have questions, Early Childhood Services (ECS) at MHMR of Tarrant County is in Fort Worth and surrounding counties to help. Visit EarlyIsBestNorthTexas.org to learn more. And check out these social-emotional development milestones published by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. 

Developmental Red Flags

Just like noticing when developmental milestones aren’t being met, being aware of and noticing social-emotional milestones is key. Know what to look for in your child’s growth and also what could be a potential issue.

Below are some red flags to be on the lookout for in your child at various stages.      

Babies

  • Cannot bend arms or legs.
  • Does not smile, move, or look at you when you talk or play with him/her.
  • Does not want to be held.
  • Does not make sounds by three months.
  • Does not babble by six months.

Toddlers

  • Has tantrums that last 20 minutes or longer.
  • Breaks things on purpose.
  • Hurts or bites other people.
  • Does not look at you when you call his/her name.
  • Does not play with toys.
  • Flaps hands, rocks, or sways over and over.
  • Does not point at objects he/she wants.
  • Has no words by 12 months.

Any Age

  • Is fussy or cries a lot — even when not tired or hungry.
  • Has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
  • Does not notice people.
  • Is unhappy most of the time.
  • Displays loss of speech, babbling or social skills.

Red flags are warnings of potential problems. If your child displays any of these signs, talk to the pediatrician or call ECI for an evaluation.

ECI sponsorSupporting Healthy Development

Supporting your baby’s development brings him or her closer to you as the parent, as well as to other family members — and it brings you closer to your child. If you have questions, ASK! Parenting is hard. And you are not alone. ECS is here to help.

Detecting any concerns about your child’s development both physically and socially-emotionally early is essential. Early is best. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn more about your role in your child’s development. 

If you have questions, reach out to Early Childhood Services, a division of My Health My Resources of Tarrant County. You can call 1-844-NTX-KIDS or visit EarlyIsBestNorthTexas.org for more information.

Early Childhood Services provides resources and in-home support to families of children age zero to six in Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, and Ellis counties. (Services are available to families of children age zero to three in Denton, Ellis, Erath, Hood, Johnson, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, Wise, and Cooke counties.) Early Childhood Services also offers free child screenings. Early Childhood Services is a division of My Health My Resources of Tarrant County, which has served families in Tarrant County for nearly 50 years. If you want more information, call 844-NTX-KIDS or visit www.EarlyIsBestNorthTexas.org

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