Development of social interaction in early childhood: determinant factors and implications for future social evolution

The social interaction of children begins at birth and evolves through various stages as the child grows. Initially, the child primarily interacts with parents, developing basic trust and learning to communicate through facial expressions and gestures. After six months, interest in others increases, but the child is still unable to engage in common play, being influenced by the fear of strangers. Around the age of one, the child begins to imitate the behaviors of other children, an important step in the development of social skills. As the child learns to speak and recognize emotions, interactions with peers become more complex. Parents play an essential role in guiding this process, providing examples of appropriate social behavior and supporting the development of empathy and the ability to manage emotions. Starting at the age of two, children begin to participate in more structured activities, such as kindergarten, where teachers and peers become important participants in the socialization process.