Signs of Healthy Socialization in Kids

Socialization is the way children behave and respond to others, such as their parents, caregivers and other children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics website, "Healthy Children," socialization begins when a baby is very young. Healthy socialization skills like communication, playing, cooperation, and showing sympathy can be recognized as baby grows into a child.

  1. Communication

    • One of the sweetest ways babies from birth to three months show healthy socialization skills is through their smiles. According to "Healthy Children," a baby's smile is his way of recognizing and responding to a loved one, particularly mom or dad, as well as a new way to express emotion besides crying. During this time, a baby will start to develop the ability to entertain himself for longer periods of time and communicate with others besides mom and dad, such as siblings or grandparents, through smiles, coos and body language.

    Side-by-Side Playing

    • According to the "Child Development Tracker" on the PBS Parents website, two-year-old toddlers express healthy socialization skills simply by playing near other children. They are beginning to develop an interest in what other children are doing, yet they lack the developmental skills to truly interact in play with others at this stage. Toddlers do not yet have the skill set to problem solve, so if conflict arises among children at this stage, parents or caretakers need to step in to help find a solution.

    Cooperation

    • According to "Healthy Children," by the time a child reaches three years old, signs of healthy socialization include an interest in new experiences, role playing such as pretending to be mom or dad, cooperation with other children and the ability to problem solve when a conflict arises. At this stage, children with healthy socialization skills are also becoming more independent and are beginning to form real relationships with other children.

    Sympathy

    • At four years old, a well socialized child has the ability to practice self-control, make decisions and be more self-reliant. He also has a greater handle on his ability to control his emotions, shows sympathy for other children and can engage in longer periods of play and exercise. According to the article "Helping Your Child with Socialization," on the Child Development Institute's website, by the time a child enters kindergarten, he should be able to join into large group experiences.

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