Does your child often appear shy when surrounded by other kids? Or does your child often stand by as the rest of the kids play? While it is reasonable for children to have only a few friends at an early age, helping them learn how to build peer relationships is crucial for their growth and development.
Forcing them into situations where they can socialize would not do them any good, though. So, what you should do is to help them build the necessary skills to boost their confidence so that they can enjoy interacting with other children.
Understanding children’s social development
Certain milestones are essential to prepare kids to manage their feelings. These will also allow them to interact with others in a meaningful way. Understanding these milestones is crucial so that you will have an idea of how to help them build the social skills that they need.
At age one, most kids predominantly point and try to vocalize to show their intention. This is the time they can already recognize people who they regularly see, like their grandparents or their pediatrician. You will notice them interacting with you by handing you their toys, for example.
When they reach two, they will start to engage with people around them. You will also notice them becoming territorial, especially when it comes to their toys. At this age, sharing can be a challenge. Teaching them how to respond to conflicts can help them develop negotiation skills, which are just as crucial for their development.
Age three is when most parents enroll their kids in toddler programs in preschools in Ahwatukee, AZ. During this time, kids start using their imagination to play games. They also begin engaging in associative play, which involves playing with other children their age, and many other creative activities.
Helping children develop social skills
The best way to help children make friends is to understand what is getting in their way when it comes to socializing. You can try speaking with your kids and see what is going on inside their minds. You can ask if they prefer spending time alone to play with their toys or read books.
If kids do not want to communicate openly, however, you can consider speaking directly to their teacher. Doing so will help you know the reason behind their inability to build peer relationships with other kids. Ask the teacher if they seem shy around their classmates. If that is the case, then creating a stronger bond with your children at a young age is the best path to take.
Each kid is unique. Although some kids find it easy to mingle with others their age, being aloof is entirely reasonable, too. To help them develop their social skills better, you need to be a model of ethical behavior to them. You need to show them how you would act when communicating with others. Doing these things will set a great example that they can use as a guide when interacting with other children.
