Every parent desires that their child build robust friendships. However, the reality of toddlers' social abilities is far from ideal. Their language skills, still in early development, hinder efficient communication even with equals. Further complicating matters, 2-year-old kids generally engage in 'parallel play' — playing by each other but not with each other — a far cry from traditional friendship norms.
Regardless of their current social inclinations, toddlers need to develop the capacity to play well with other kids. Parents are trusted to facilitate social maturity by providing opportunities for their children to socialize effectively. The goal is to mold your toddler in such a way that they can build and nurture friendships.
It's human nature to thrive in the company of friends. Children, like adults, need friends. It is a basic need that transcends age. However, the characteristics of toddler friendships might be far from pleasant from an adult's perspective.
No parent likes to witness their children disputing over toys or engaging in conflicts during playdates. This might lead to a temptation of withdrawing your child from social scenes until they are mature enough for school. However, it's recommended to keep patience as your child is still absorbing crucial social cues.
Engagements with other children offer your toddler the chance to develop comfort in their company. Repeated interactions in the social scene provide the necessary groundwork for your child to understand and practice friendship etiquettes. This helps to refine their problem-solving ability, empathy, and cooperative play.
Though the responsibility lies with parents and caregivers to supply toddlers numerous opportunities to enhance their social skills, forcing a social agenda on an unwilling participant can hamper their social acceptance. Therefore, the child’s disposition should be kept in mind during social engagements.
Your child might present an initial reluctance in interacting with their peers. It's natural for them to observe the social dynamics while seated comfortably in your lap. Extend some patience and accept who your child is as he/she paces through their social development trajectory.
Keep your eyes open for probable playmates for your children in familiar places like your neighborhood and local parks. Friends made in familiar settings may have a higher chance of lasting. Also, consider who your child seems naturally attracted to and shares common interests with.
Remember, initially, it may be easier for your toddler to handle one friend rather than a group. Timing the playdates correctly when your child is generally in a good mood can keep conflicts at bay.
Being a good role model can significantly affect your child's social habits. By observing your interactions with friends and strangers, they can learn a lot about starting a conversation and resolving issues peacefully.
For a shy toddler, making early friendships can be a daunting task. Heated discussions and sometimes physical altercations often happen amongst little children. The parents should intervene judiciously, remind the child to express their feelings in words rather than physical actions, and help them find solutions to their problems.
Imaginative games play a crucial part in the early childhood stage. Two- or three-year old kids are naturally inclined towards pretend play. Joining in the play and allowing the child to take the lead can significantly improve their ability to see things from different perspectives – an essential component of effective socializing.
Invite your child's daycare and preschool friends home as this can boost your child's self-esteem as he introduces his friend to his family and belongings. It also gives you a window into your child's social interactions, alerting you to which areas to focus on during your role-playing sessions.
If your child consistently faces difficulties in socializing, try not to fret too much. All children need practice when it comes to making and keeping friends. If problems persist, it might be wise to seek professional counsel.
You should always remember that it's your duty as a parent to sow the seed of social skills and then patiently wait for it to grow. With time, your child will realize that playing with a pal is far more delightful than playing alone.