Children’s social development skills are vital to their long-term well-being and ability to mix with not only their peers but to promote good family relationships too. From early on in your child’s development they will be finding their sense of self and they begin to trust their parents by your social and emotional guidance.
Children’s social development skills are vital to their long-term well-being and ability to mix with not only their peers but to promote good family relationships too. From early on in your child’s development they will be finding their sense of self and they begin to trust their parents by your social and emotional guidance. Your influence is their initial learning of social skills and development. Here are a few tips on improving their social skills:
Love your child and show them affection
Spending time with your little one from a young age is so important and while parents do spend time with their children when they are young, there must be some quality time too. Read to your youngster from a young age, sing to them and laugh while encouraging them to talk too. Play games and promote a happy home environment by constant love, laughing and affection. If you have older children, ask them to play and interact with their younger sibling as they learn quickly, and this helps them so much with social development.
Go on regular playdates
Children that spend regular time with other kids will learn how to be more socially and emotionally aware of their peers. If you can, ask a few parent friends to meet up regularly and let your kids have fun learning how to play with one another. It may take time and there may be some little tantrums, but it is a good experience for kids to mix well in the future once they start school. Remember to correct your youngster if they are rude or refuse to share, give them the skills to have good relationships.
Model good behaviour
Your kids learn from you first and remember to show empathy to others and model good behaviour towards your friends and family. Say “thank you” to those who help you and offer help to those who may need it when you are out and about. Encourage your nipper to say “thank you” too even if they can only babble - as they are listening even if they can’t say the words properly yet.
Give them structure and routine
Children who have clear routines and structure usually feel more secure therefore, they are more confident. Confidence is important when a youngster is finding their feet. A good routine will prepare your child for social gatherings and time to play at home alone with you.
Encourage chats
Though your child may be quiet at times, playing, encourage them to talk about what they are doing while you look on. Even if you are in the middle of preparing dinner and don’t have time to sit and play, call into your child and ask them what they are up to. It is vital to encourage verbal communication and to get your youngster to use their words. They may get words wrong and that is fine but spend time mastering words they struggle with. Never stop chatting to your kiddie as it is one way to ensure they are learning social skills all the time.
Written by Emma Hayes staff writer at FFHQ who also blogs at www.emmamadjotters.com.
