An introduction to children’s social development
Socialising is one of the most integral parts of any child’s development. From basic soft skills to deeper life lessons, having your child spend time with other children is fundamental to providing them with a fully-rounded education.
Biosocial development, especially in the early years, tends to occur under the radar. Reading facial cues, understanding tone, body language and exhibiting all of the above is something we take for granted as adults so giving your kids time to learn the ropes is a must.
The human brain is incredible and young children soak up information like a sponge. Some studies have even gone on to say;
“Recent research confirms that the first five years are particularly important for the development of the child’s brain, and the first three years are the most critical in shaping the child’s brain architecture. Early experiences provide the base for the brain’s organisational development and functioning throughout life. They have a direct impact on how children develop learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities.”
With this in mind, we’re going to look at the ways children learn, live and grow while socialising.
Confidence
Confidence is one of the most important parts of your child’s development. Now, every child is unique so not every child is loud or outgoing but this isn’t the only way to show confidence. Letting your child experience independence from a young age allows them to learn, problem-solve and communicate. These little victories every day will help your little one find their passions, strengths and weaknesses and allow them to grow into themselves.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are an incredibly important group of skills that serve you throughout your life. From people skills to social skills and communication skills, these help you navigate living in a social environment. For children, this is no different with them learning and mastering soft skills by socialising. Whether in a playgroup or at a nursery, everyday interactions with other children will help your little one learn how to cope with everything life can throw at them.
Sharing
At Stepping Stones we have a wide range of activities and toys that promote sharing. This social skill is one that can only benefit children as they begin to understand the concept of working together. With the help of our highly-qualified staff, your children will be encouraged to use sharing to learn about cooperation and equality.
Acceptance
Children are naturally curious as they learn more and more about the world around them. As such allowing your children to interact with children of all walks of life will help them understand that everyone is different and everyone deserves respect. Children are the best of us and carry no prejudices meaning that from a young age children can learn from and socialise with children that are different to them. In this way, children can learn and grow to become caring and understanding adults.
Discipline
Respect and discipline often bring up visions of Miss Trunchbull from Matilda but this isn’t the case. Socialising at daycare allows caregivers to set a space where children learn how to listen to authority figures outside of the home. This respect for authority extends to a respect for surroundings and belongings as children learn how to share and play together.
This exposure to respect and discipline also sets the foundation for life skills like social interaction, being polite, taking turns as well as verbal and nonverbal social cues.
Communication
Socialising is known to rapidly increase the development of language skills and present children with the opportunity to play and interact with other children. By spending time in a day nursery, the environment contributes positively to a child’s understanding of their home language and engages them in storytelling, playing and conversation.
These are just some of the benefits of socialising your little ones. It can often be scary, for you and your child, but by letting your little one engage with the world, they get a chance to learn, grow and become more independent.
If you’d like to get your little one’s adventure started contact us today. At Stepping Stones we have years of experience, safe and secure premises as well as a wide range of toys, activities and lessons to keep your little entertained and enlightened.