There are many things a young child must learn, just as we did. It’s okay for them to make mistakes on this path, of course. Learning to be a brand new human being isn’t easy, and some say even a lifetime isn’t enough time for someone to learn all of its ins and outs. As parents though, we have certain responsibilities to our children, to make sure they are well developed and rounded.
Perhaps one of the most important efforts to make is to ensure our children are well socialized. In the midst of Covid-19 and its associated lockdowns, that might seem a little tricky right now – and we all would be forgiven for slacking a little in this regard. When we can though, it’s important to consider how to best help our children develop, especially if they show a shy or asocial streak to begin with. They need not be the biggest extrovert to get ahead in life, but a few of the following tips can help you nurture this most important of life lessons:
Socialization & Positive Reinforcement
Social skills are essential, but they’re hard to practice without the right feedback. That’s why the best daycare services often have more than one child in an environment with plenty of opportunities to share, enjoy socialization with their peers, and do so under the direct supervision of responsible adults. In this respect, freeing up your schedule with an essential service can give you peace of mind, helping them prepare for school even in small social ways. That has to be a worthwhile approach.
Rules & Sharing
Of course, having some rules in place that you consistently stick to will be important, particularly if your child has siblings. It might be that you set timings for the games console to ensure that everyone gets a chance, or that toys are shared and conflicts are mediated whenever one comes up, or that you teach them the concept of ‘taking turns’ by keeping an eye over who is pushing who the most on a swing. This way, you can see your child’s development, and if they need a little further encouragement.
Developing Confidence & Positive Behaviors
Of course, there are some tips and techniques that go above sharing a toy. Children also need to learn when to seek additional support from adults, such as when needing to tell an adult about bullying or a problem with another child. In this respect, it’s important to ensure our children know how to employ positive behaviors, what’s expected of them in certain circumstances, and why confidence helps lead to resolution. This could mean using positive reinforcement such as praise if they do use one of these behaviors, or if they enter a situation that requires thought and care to properly resolve. In this respect, we can make sure that our child knows what we like to see in them, and they will opt to seek out those behaviors more readily from that point on.
With these tips, I hope it helps you (or your family) to give your child the space to develop proper social skills – it can make all the difference.
Sarah Stockley
February 22, 2021I work in a school and all of these qualities are so important. There are lots in the younger years who refuse to share. It is hard with so many not being around other children during the lockdown.
Krysten Quiles
February 22, 2021Love this so much, will keep in mind when I’m wish my nephew!
GiGi Eats
February 22, 2021I think SPACE is the most important thing. My parents were NEVER helicopter parents and I truly appreciate them for that!
Ladena
February 22, 2021These are great tips! It’s very important to help our kids learn how to socialize well. I agree rules have to be in place especially when dealing with siblings!
Tara Pittman
February 22, 2021This good info that I can pass on to my daughter. She has 2 kids ages 6 months and 2.
Brianne
February 22, 2021This is such a great post. It’s never ever too early to start teaching the kids how to interact with others. It’s one of the most important lessons we can teach them.
Kathy
February 22, 2021These are such great tips. It’s so important to help them with their skills. You definitely have wonderful ideas.
Heather
February 22, 2021These are all super important when helping your child develop proper social skills. You are doing a great job, Mama!
Erin
February 22, 2021Social Skills are so important for the kiddos. It is hard to teach the kids if they don’t have social skills first!
Catalina
February 23, 2021It’s not easy at all for a mom to give that space a kid needs. We want to protect and to avoid that our kids make mistakes. But those mistakes help them grow. We need to remember that!
Anonymous
February 23, 2021Yes, I couldn’t agree more.. Parenting is really tough. Glad to hear
Ryan Escat
February 23, 2021Yes, I couldn’t agree more.. Parenting is really tough. Glad to hear some advice from a parent like you.
Kathy Kenny Ngo
February 23, 2021This is the one thing I am worrying about the most. My son is not able to socialize with other kids due to COVID.
Yanitza
February 23, 2021I love all of these, but I particularly love the fact that you mention confidence and positive behaviors and how confidence leads to resolution. This is so true!
Monidipa
February 23, 2021Social interaction helps young children to start to develop their sense of self, and also start to learn what others expect from them. Putting them in preschool or child care helps your child naturally come out of that phase. Sharing, setting boundaries, and problem-solving all come from socializing and interacting.
Wanda Lopez
February 23, 2021This is something that was very important for me as a mom of two girls and aunt of many.
Aarika
February 23, 2021Wonderful article! These qualities that you share are so useful and important for child development.
Bella
February 23, 2021I love this so much! I will have to share with friends that have kids
Kuntala Bhattacharya
February 25, 2021My son was very introvert initially. He would play on his own and would not mix up. Socializing did help and now he is like super friendly with all. The tips you have shared are really helpful and important too.
Mary Dizon
March 5, 2021I know you will be a great example for these kids. Go SuperMama! They are so lucky to have you. These tips are so helpful.