All children go through stages of social development. An infant or very young child will play alone happily. If another child wanders onto the scene, he or she may be physically attacked or pushed out of the way. Next, the child is able to play with another child, gradually learning to share and takes turns. Eventually the group grows larger, to three or four children. By the time a child enters kindergarten, he or she is usually able to join in and enjoy group experiences.

It's natural to look out for your baby's first smile, the momentous occasion of a first step and much more... as your children reach the milestones which mark each stage of their lives.

You may worry that your child is a little behind others of the same age or a little ahead. Perhaps they are developing at a different pace to brothers or sisters.

It's worth remembering that children grow and learn in their own way and in their own time. There's great variation as to when your child will reach a certain stage or learn a particular new skill.

There are also differences between girls and boys in the rate of their development.

If you're worried about your child's development or wonder if something is holding them back, check out your fears with your health visitor, school nurse, doctor or other health professional.

Children with ADHD and learning disabilities may need extra help in developing social skills. The impulsive characteristics of an ADHD child may lead to poor peer relationships. Children with poor attention spans may not tune in to social cues in their environment, making it difficult for them to learn social skills through experience.