Social interactions are essential to childhood development while they also hold the key to human happiness. So, now that your toddler has mastered unoccupied and solitary play, now is the time to focus on embracing social activities.
After all, the ability to socialize with other children will have a huge impact on their school life. Likewise, there are many life skills gained through group activities that simply can’t be matched in solo play. So, how can you help your child with this key part of their development? Focus on the ideas below, and you should see positive results.
#1. Encourage Parallel Play
Babies first learn unoccupied play, which is when they are too young to engage in activities but are engaged by their surroundings. This is followed by being entertained by others (spectator play). Or entertaining themselves (solitary play). The next phase is parallel play.
There are many examples of parallel play. Ultimately, they each focus on the idea of having two toddlers engage in similar activities. They may even mimic each other. While they aren’t technically playing together at this stage, they will be playing nicely around each other.
The concept of becoming comfortable in close proximity to other kids will create a smoother transition into social play. It is particularly effective for young toddlers.
#2. Enjoy Crafts
When thinking about parallel play and the transition into playing together, you may wish to consider crafts. This encourages young children to play nicely and even take turns using some of the same materials. Yet, they will still get to work on their own task.
It takes the idea of parallel play to the next level. Better still, you can find projects suited for different personalities and ages. This includes slightly older children. With Halloween around the corner, Halloween crafts are ideal. Of course, younger artists may need some extra help.
Nevertheless, there is little chance of tantrums when toddlers have their own spaces to be creative. Besides, they also get to make a mess on their terms, which can only be positive.
#3. Celebrate Sibling Relationships
Encouraging interactive play and socializing with other toddlers is your goal. However, older siblings can help guide your toddler into social activities at an early age. Better still, it is one of the very best ways to promote a healthier family dynamic for years to come.
Sibling relationships come naturally, but parents can still encourage them. Praising the older sibling is particularly effective as it removes any rivalry. The toddler will usually want to emulate their big brother or sister anyway. So, the key is to make activities suitable for all.
Research suggests only children find it harder to socialize with other kids due to having fewer opportunities. So, if your toddler is blessed with siblings, you should embrace it.
#4. Sign Up For Toddler Leisure Groups
Whether your toddler is an only child or not, time around other toddlers is vital. Having friends, even before they play together, will make socializing easier. Not least because familiarity with the person, as well as situations, lays the foundation for lasting friendships.
There are plenty of age-appropriate groups. From soccer to dance, the fun activities aren’t just great for social skills. Your child will also develop gross motor skills, spatial awareness, confidence, and so much more. Of course, being around the same kids each week helps too.
As a parent, this is an opportunity to make friends with others going through similar journeys. In turn, you can share further tips or learn about other groups in the local area.
#5. Consider Nursery
If being around the same children on a regular basis is important, nursery could be a great addition. Sacrificing time with your little angel is hard, as is leaving them in someone else’s care. However, it is the best way for them to form friendships and prepare for real school.
Nursery isn’t for every family. Still, an appreciation of the benefits can help you decide whether it’s the right choice. Even if you only put your son or daughter in for 1-2 days per week, their social skills and foundation for future schooling will look far brighter.
By selecting a nursery close to the school that your child will attend, some of their nursery friends will be school peers. So, the transition to school can become less daunting too.
#6. Look Beyond Childhood Friendships
Childhood friendships, especially with other toddlers, are your aim. However, you can look beyond these types of friendships to help your child gain key social skills. Many toddlers find it easy to connect with adults. After all, they have relied on you for interaction since birth.
Of course, you have to approach adult interactions with some caution. Still, friends and relatives can become great early friends. Adults met in a professional capacity, like pediatric dentists, can help children too. They’ll feel comfortable around new faces.
Away from human interactions, socializing with animals ideas. From getting a family pet to visiting petting zoos, there are many ways to make this happen.
#7. Lead By Example
From birth, infants are information sponges that look to parents for inspiration. So, if you want your child to become more confident in social situations and better around people, guess what? It will be your job to set a winning example.
Children who see parents interacting with others will be more inclined to follow suit. Therefore, it’s important for them to see you around other adults in suitable environments. Becoming better around other children can be very useful. It’ll make you happier too.
Moreover, this is an opportunity for you to teach your child how to socialize correctly. From being kind to listening as well as talking, the simple lessons make all the difference.
#8. Practice Role Play Games
Playtime is the central focus of early socializing. Role-playing can be a great way to teach empathy, so that they start to see things from other perspectives. In turn, this could be priceless for their future friendships. It also helps them become creative with friends.
Role play games can include dressing up or simply using their imagination. Either way, a combination of pretending to be their favorite TV characters and professionals like doctors can work well. Mimicking moms and dads is another common choice.
Once playing with other children, each child can embrace their characters and work together. Watching toddlers create scenarios and solve problems is truly fascinating.
#9. Organize More Play Dates
Experience is the best way to learn anything, and social skills are no different. If your child needs opportunities to develop friendships and social skills, you need to help them. You are their organization team, which is why you must manage their schedule well.
Play dates are great for many reasons. It’s a cheap form of entertainment and helps you enjoy time with other families. Most importantly, the chance to play with other toddlers in familiar surroundings like the home and with mom and/or dad close by helps.
It is highly advised that you keep this up until your child is at least at school. From then, weekend parties and club activities will probably suffice.
#10. Support Communicational Development
Finally, one of the main issues holding back children with social development comes from communication. If they are unable to express themselves, it becomes more difficult to form meaningful bonds. Therefore, supporting their language skills and understanding is key.
Toddlers don’t need an extensive vocabulary. But they should be able to express emotions, ask for help, and explain what they need. Even if it’s not in full sentences, these skills support ongoing interactions with adults as well as other children.
Kids can become very frustrated when this becomes tough for them. Similarly, it may discourage them from approaching others in the future. Do not let this hold them back.
