Social development in early childhood is an important part of a child’s overall health and well-being. Cognitive and emotional development are strongly related to social development, and these developmental milestones and indicators collectively lay the foundation for forming interpersonal connections which involves children’s ability to interact with others and regulate their own behaviour. However, the ability to interact with others and behave in various social situations accordingly isn’t something kids are naturally born with. It’s something they are taught and learn over time.
Here’s how you can support the development of these skills at home:
- Encourage your child to communicate and identify their emotions: allow children to express their emotions and feelings. Help your child name the feeling and support your child to find relevant ways to show the feeling.
- Establish Positive relationships: It’s important to reinforce your child when they display positive behaviour, such as engaging socially with others or resolving conflicts/problems calmly with a friend. Parents are encouraged to praise your child for their efforts and positive behaviour.
- Sharing is caring: Sharing is a fundamental social skill that helps foster empathy and consideration for others. Encourage your child to share their toys with other children or their food with those in need to help them learn how to share. When they do, make sure to give them praise.
- Empathy: Help your child to understand and recognize how other people are feeling in various situations.
- Social stories: Read social stories to your child to increase the child’s understanding of social behaviour by describing in detail a specific situation and suggesting an appropriate social response.
In conclusion, learning to share and communicate, to building friendships and developing empathy are some of the core social development skills in children. Parents can create a positive and supportive environment to encourage healthy social interactions for children.
