Children and Loneliness Young children begin the lifetime process of becoming social beings. During the childhood years, kids develop significant social competencies and behavioral characteristics.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's social behavior.
That is to say, children at this age are focused on their own needs and wants. They lack the capacity to be aware of others' emotions. Between the ages of two and five, children begin to take into account the behaviors and emotions of their peers. They engage in play with other children of similar age. Parents and age appropriate peers model behavior, which children observe and imitate.