How to Support the Social Development of a Child

Social development of children is just as important as the development of the brain and the body. As you would probably expect, relationships that babies and children have with other people largely influence their social development. Follow these steps to help support a child's social development.

Instructions

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      Remember that it's easy for adults to take charge of everything because we think we know best. However, it's very important that you step back sometimes and simply observe what children are doing and saying. They are always learning new things, but different children have different learning styles.

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      Be nurturing and affectionate with the child. Offer verbal and physical reassurances to the child often, whether he is upset or not. Children really do want to please adults, and it makes them feel great when we approve of what they do. In addition, if you demonstrate kindness to your children, they will be more likely to treat their friends in the same way.

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      Help the child to learn how to resolve conflict. The most common conflict that young children experience is fighting over a toy or activity. The important thing to remember here is that you need to acknowledge the feelings that the child is having, such as anger or sadness. Next, address the issue. You may need to provide a distraction from the problem or suggest a solution to the problem.

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      Teach the child about giving and taking in relationships. Look for opportunities to do nice things for friends and families. In turn, when people do nice things for your child, point out what a nice gesture it was, and help the child find a way to thank them.

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      Make sure that the child feels safe and that she knows whom she can trust. When a child is frightened, be compassionate and help her through the situation.

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      Educate the child about people's differences. When a child sees someone who is very different from himself--such as someone in a wheelchair, a child with a physical deformity or someone from a different culture--he will be curious. This is an opportunity for you to help him understand and respect people's differences.

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