Which skill do young children usually learn first?

Young children typically first learn the skill of waving good-bye, as this action involves simple motor skills and social interaction that are developmentally appropriate for their early years. Waving serves as a foundational form of communication and expression, allowing children to engage with their caregivers and the world around them in a meaningful way. This type of gesture captures their developing understanding of social norms and helps integrate them into social environments.

In contrast, skills such as speaking in full sentences or writing their names require a greater degree of cognitive development, language skills, and fine motor coordination, which usually develop later. Tying shoes involves complex fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination that are more advanced and typically learned even later in childhood. Thus, waving good-bye is one of the earliest social skills children develop, showcasing their initial forays into communication and interaction.