One thing I love about caring for the youngest of children is watching them learn and grow in my care. Babies and toddlers are like sponges and they learn at a remarkable rate. From the get go, I teach the littles in my care how to build strong social skills.
Common questions that parents ask are “will my child make friends?” or “how will my child adjust to group settings?” “will they know how to share or be kind?” “Will they advocate for themselves?”
Play based childcare naturally helps children form meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. Babies and toddlers learn to share and cooperate and that they are ok even if things don’t go their way. At a young age, children learn to express their feelings and needs and gain confidence when trying new things.
Children who spend time in groups with other children develop strong social skills and have less anxiety when they transition to kindergarten or other new environments.
How can you help your child build strong social skills? Most importantly spend time modeling behaviors like kindness, cooperation and patience. Take turns when speaking. Let your child know you are listening to them by repeating what they said or asked for. You ca guide them at home through sharing toys with you or siblings. Model how to solve disagreements. There are countless opportunities to teach and reinforce social building skills at home.
Other ideas for encouraging social growth with your children are engaging in playdates or group activities. Reading stories that talk about friendship and kindness. Arts and craft projects such as painting kindness rocks and placing them around your neighborhood or nearby park. Playing games that teach patience and taking turns.
You Can Help Your Child Build Strong Social Skills
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