Final answer:
Prosocial behaviors in children usually emerge in the preschool years as actions like sharing and helping. These behaviors increase with age as children develop greater cognitive abilities, empathy, and understanding of social norms. Prosocial actions are influenced by observational learning from parents and role models.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prosocial behaviors appear in children at varying stages of their development. These behaviors include voluntary actions intended to benefit others, such as sharing, helping, and expressing concern. Contrary to the idea that prosocial behaviors develop only later in life, research indicates that such actions are present from a young age and evolve as children grow.
Specifically, prosocial behaviors become evident in the preschool years, generally between the ages of 3 to 6 years old. During this time, children begin sharing and helping as they engage with others in their environment. This is a critical stage where initiative versus guilt is resolved, according to Erikson's psychosocial stages of development. Successful navigation of this stage leads to increased self-confidence and a sense of purpose, both of which can enhance the child's prosocial actions.
As children grow and develop, their capacity for helpfulness generally increases with age. This change is due to a combination of factors, such as improved cognitive abilities, greater empathy, and the continuous learning of social norms. The modeling process plays a significant role here, as children learn both prosocial and antisocial behaviors by observing others, especially their parents and significant role models.