Adults' facial expressions have a strong impact on very young children learning about social relationships. Anne O'Connor explains social referencing and why early years workers need to understand it.

Orson and his brother Seb are playing happily with dad. The mood changes when Seb bangs his face on the guitar. Orson looks carefully at dad and registers that he is no longer smiling and relaxed, and is showing concern for Seb in his expression and the way he is talking to him.

Orson turns back to his brother and copies dad's concerned expression. Dad's response to Seb's mishap provides Orson with information about how people handle distress and show their concern and empathy for each other. This not only helps Orson build a bigger picture of how relationships work, but gives him the specific information he needs to guide his own responses.

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Curriculum Practice Child Development A Unique Child Observation Assessment and Planning Personal social and emotional speech and language Communication