What is a notable social skill that children typically develop by age 5?

By the age of 5, children often demonstrate a notable improvement in their social skills, particularly in their ability to interact with peers cooperatively. At this developmental stage, children begin to engage more with other children, working together in play, sharing, taking turns, and negotiating roles in group activities. This cooperative interaction lays the foundation for important social competencies, such as empathy and communication, which are critical for their ongoing development.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical social development milestones for children around this age. For instance, while some children may play alone, the ability to interact cooperatively with peers is a more significant marker of social development and signifies readiness for more complex social interactions. Similarly, understanding complex instructions and adhering strictly to adult rules may not be as pronounced in children at this age, as their focus often shifts toward social engagement rather than structured compliance or individual play.