Social Intelligence For Early Childhood Care And Develpoment

Abstract

The first five years of a child's life are essentially crucial since they play an indispensable role in their brain development. Babies begin to learn about the world around them right from their prenatal age and their early experiences as well as the bonds they form with their parents profoundly affect their future social, emotional, cognitive and physical evolvement. Children tend to learn and absorb fast at such a stage than at any other time in life and holistic development is hugely determined in this formative period. According to Erickson's developmental theory(1997), children who start to evaluate themselves have entered the stage of "autonomy versus shame and doubt." Young children who feel autonomous see themselves as good, valuable people who are able to do what is expected of them in a positive way. In contrast, young children who feel ashamed also feel worthless and incapable of doing what is expected of them. As children become increasingly self-aware, more effective at communicating, and better at understanding the thoughts and feelings of others, their social skills increase. Changing or controlling one's emotions in social situations is an important skill that allows children to fit in with groups and start to create interpersonal relationships. Social intelligence can be considered equivalent to interpersonal intelligence. So the first step in helping toddlers develop social intelligence is helping them learn to manage their emotions, which is the foundation of interpersonal relationships. The second is helping them develop empathy for others. The third is helping them learn to express their needs and feelings without attacking others. The present study is intended to be carried out to figure out the changes taking place in toddler and infants Social Intelligence development.