Last modified on 14 February 2025
On the eve of their first birthday, a baby can already exhibit prosocial behavior. They are able to consciously interact with those around them and display a variety of actions. They can distinguish different emotions on faces. As they grow, they will be able to develop a calm and prosocial attitude, including empathy, helpfulness, and cooperation.
What is prosocial behavior?
Prosocial behavior corresponds to the benevolent attitude that we voluntarily adopt towards others, such as showing solidarity., to demonstrate altruism or cooperation without expecting anything in return. Prosocial behavior appears quite early in childhood, as early as the first year of life, and continues to develop over time (even into adulthood). Prosocial behavior has a positive impact on social relationships because it facilitates interactions between individuals. The earlier prosocial behavior is established, the more it becomes a natural and spontaneous character trait.
Prosocial behavior and childhood: what do we know?
All children possess prosocial behavior
It is the social environment in which Baby develops that will influence his prosocial behavior. We now know that no child is more inclined than others to adopt behavior that benefits others. However, the environment and the people surrounding a child will play a determining role. From a very young age, Ptiloup is a keen observer and most often acts by mimicking the socialization models around him. This is why, if he observes his parents performing acts of kindness, solidarity, or altruism spontaneously and selflessly, this will become a moral and social norm for him. Helping, sharing, comforting, and consoling will be part of his daily life!
Guilt and empathy: are these feelings predictors of prosocial behavior?
Although all children are capable of helping each other, studies on the subject identify two moral situations that are particularly conducive to prosocial behavior:
- A child who feels guilt very early when he transgresses a rule will be aware of the consequences of his actions on himself and the other ("My attitude can offend");
- Conversely, a child who has a strong reservoir of empathy and who shows their desire to help without restraint will have a particularly active prosocial behavior.
The evolution of prosocial behavior during childhood
As the years go by, Ptiloup hones his prosocial behavior. Two major phases can be observed in early childhood:
- Around the age of 2: he starts to show helpfulness in simple everyday situations. For example: picking up a cuddly toy that has fallen on the floor and spontaneously giving it back to its little owner… guaranteed comfort!
- At the beginning of preschool, around the age of 3-4, a child is able to understand more complex situations and no longer simply helps others but also grasps the concepts of sharing and comforting. For example, they might help a classmate who seems sad in the schoolyard.
Of course, prosocial behavior will become more complex over the years due to the diversity of situations faced during adolescence and then adulthood.
The benefits of prosocial behavior in young children
Children who adopt prosocial behavior from a young age very often reap the benefits in group settings. The foundations are laid in daycare, but it is especially at school that a child can distinguish themselves with a prosocial attitude. Indeed, this allows them to:
- to more easily build positive and caring relationships with others;
- understanding one's own emotions and those of others (hello the superpower of empathy) ;
- to skillfully resolve minor everyday conflicts.
How can we encourage prosocial behavior in babies?
As you've probably gathered, in order for Baby to instinctively adopt prosocial behavior, you'll need to show him the way... because the peers around him all have a role to play!
Prosocial behavior in the childcare setting
Whether cared for in a daycare center, a childminding center, or at home, Ptiloup develops in contact with other children (who are all different themselves). This diversity is an opportunity from a very young age to prevent false beliefs about others from taking root (differences in gender, culture, or socioeconomic status).
If you are an early childhood professional, here are some suggestions for encouraging prosocial behaviors:
- Increase opportunities to play in groups to promote cooperation and kindness.
- As much as possible, regularly change the composition of the groups. Even if affinities are inevitable, the earlier children are used to being with children different from themselves, the less resistant they will be to helping others.
- For some activities, disregard the age barrier. For example, during a painting workshop, you can create pairs with two age groups (12 and 24 months, for instance). The older child can then help the younger one learn and master the paintbrush.
- Verbally praise, using simple words, each instance where a child has demonstrated prosocial behavior towards another child. Remember, repetition is key!
Prosocial behavior at home
Your little one only has eyes for you, and that's perfectly normal: you're their anchor in the whirlwind of daily life! Your everyday attitude and your concern for others will be the most convincing examples for them: holding the door open in a shop, helping someone who's lost their way, politely greeting a shopkeeper…
Praise your toddler when they demonstrate prosocial behavior and explain when they are not behaving appropriately. Rather than resorting to punishment, opt for a clear and concrete explanation. A child needs to hear and understand when their behavior and actions can affect others.
No doubt Ptiloup will remember all these situations, appropriate them to better reproduce them in his daily life as a child and then as an accomplished and caring adult.
In short
Prosocial behaviors are one of the foundations of a caring and tolerant society. Rather than placing this burden solely on the shoulders of our children, let's remember that we are all part of a single chain where everyone can demonstrate empathy, solidarity, and altruism. And what if, ultimately, we understood that showing interest in others is just as beneficial for the giver as for the receiver? Food for thought 😉
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Our articles on the same topic
- How to support Baby's social skills with Montessori?
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- 7 activities to do with preschool children to develop their empathy and cooperation
- A guide to early learning for parents of babies from 0 to 24 months
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