At what age is a child expected to show interest in others socially?

At 18 months, children typically begin to show interest in others socially, marking an important development in their social skills and emotional growth. At this age, toddlers start to engage more actively with their peers and adults. They may show signs of parallel play, where they play alongside other children but not necessarily with them, and they may begin to imitate behaviors, express preferences for other children, and respond to social cues. This growing interest is foundational in developing relationships and social interactions, as they become more aware of the presence of others and their responses.

As children progress beyond this age, their social interactions become more complex, leading to cooperative play and the ability to engage in more meaningful relationships with peers. By understanding this milestone, caregivers and educators can encourage social skills through interactive play and group activities.