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How Children Feel and Get Along with Others
 Authors: Giselle Goetz with Judith A. Myers-Walls, PhD, CFLE

As children grow, they learn many things. They learn to walk, to run, and to use a pencil (physical development). They learn to talk and to understand what people say (language development). They learn to feed themselves, use the toilet, and tie their shoes (self-help skills). They also learn to tell you what they need. They learn to play with others, to share and to help. They learn how to talk about and understand feelings. They learn to play with children who are different from themselves. These things are part of “social-emotional development”—how children feel and get along with others. Children learn these things by interacting with other people. Older children help younger children learn these things. Adults are important in helping children to learn about their feelings, solve problems, and get along with others. As a childcare provider, you do many things to help children learn these skills. This area of learning can be more difficult than teaching shapes or numbers. You will not have “lessons” or “worksheets” very often. It is important to work with parents to help children learn about emotions and relationships. Many of the things you and the parents do will help children’s social and emotional development. This section has ideas to help you as you work with children and parents on this topic. Next:    • Children and fears             • Children's age-related fears             • Uncommon fears             • Ways to help children cope with their fears               Helping children overcome fears             • Talking with parents about normal age-related fears             • Talking with parents about uncommon fears             • Books about fears for children