5 Ways to Increase Social Development in Toddlers

 

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Guest Blogger

As a mom, my number one goal is to raise decent human beings. They are going to make friends, have significant others, or co-workers.

I want to ensure they are well rounded and grounded before meeting and engaging in these relationships.

This includes teaching social development in toddlers. Social skills can be verbal or non-verbal interactions amongst others.

There are many skills to teach your little ones, however, these are ones I think parents sometimes look over or neglect to teach. It’s easy to do.

As parents we like to protect our children from anything considered to be negative, but they need to learn life is not all apple juice and cookies.

 

 

 

5 Ways to Increase Social Development in Toddlers

 

Accepting No For An Answer

I choose not to always use the word “No”. Instead I try to find alternative words or phrases such as “maybe later”. The word “No” sometimes can come off very harsh for some request.

If your little one is asking for a fruit snack, saying “no” can come off as if they will never get one. Instead use the phrase “not today” to give them understanding that they just can’t have one right now.

This is important as they grow into adults so that they understand “No” and accepting and understanding the answer given to them.

 

Empathy And Compassion

This is an important one. Children are naturally very selfish. I mean why wouldn’t they be they have life served to them on a silver platter? Your children must learn how to empathize with others.

If they are on the playground and another child falls and scrapes their knee, they should be able to make sure the other kid is okay even if they’ve never done so themselves.

They can say things like “it’s okay, do you want me to get your mommy?” or “do you need help?” Teaching social development in toddlers allows your toddler to know laughing or saying nothing at all is not acceptable.

Again, as your child grows into an adult they will have the empathize a lot, especially in their more intimate relationships.

 

Accountability

Children often blame others for things they have done or claim to not know how something may of happened.

As a parent it’s our job to teach them it’s okay to make mistakes and it’s even better for them to take accountability of their mess ups.

 

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Accepting Consequences And Criticism

This goes hand in hand with accountability. Consequences follow all your decisions whether good or bad. Why is this important? Just because your child takes accountability doesn’t mean they still won’t have punishment.

This teaches them to not do things resulting in bad consequences. However be sure to not make punishment equal to a punishment you would Ice if they had not taken accountability.

 

Accepting And Understanding Differences

This is a big one. It’s fine for your toddler to have a red Popsicle while another kid had a green one. It’s also okay for your little one’s hair to be straight while the other little one in daycare’s hair is curly.

It seems very simple, but as adults we know that differences are big social issues today. Teaching social development in toddlers explains that it is okay to be different and have different things.

They will start to learn it’s normal for other kids to have something different than them.

 

So just how can we teach our toddlers about social development? Read on to find out!

 

 

How Do I Teach Social Development in Toddlers?

Kids learn in numerous ways. It’s preferred that you do not just teach these things only when they are in trouble or when the appropriate situations present themselves.

Instead look for fun and exciting ways to help them learn.

 

Books

Books are a great way to teach kids new things. Elizabeth Verdick has a great series of books designed to specifically teach toddlers about social development.

Options include “Manners Time,” “Listening Time,” “Sharing Time,” and more depending on what your child is having difficulties with or you’re just wanting to teach them ahead of time.

 

Role Play

This is great for little ones who are learning from examples. Create playful scenarios with them and ask questions.

They will enjoy playing with you while learning something new.

 

 

So What’s Next?

The goal is to have fun when you teach new things. As parents, we should also lead by example. Remember our kids are sponges that absorb everything we do and say.

If you’re giving them a positive example on how to utilize their social skills they are more likely to use them often and correctly.

Once you’ve taught new skills to take the time ever so often to check in and review them with your child when appropriate.

Gaining social development in toddlers is meant to prevent or reduce situations or behaviors that may be negative. By preventing or reducing these behaviors or situations, we create a more positive environment and society of individuals as your little ones grow into adulthood.

Remember to encourage them and reward them with verbal recognition when they use their new set of skills this will encourage them to practice them more often.

 

Meet Guest Bloggers Yanna and Shanophia

The Modern Moms Club launched May 2018. Shanophia and Yanna both have had their experiences in personal blogging but never seemed to get past the start up. It wasn’t until they found their common niche that they began to create MMC.

MMC is a platform for new, expecting, and experienced moms to seek and give advice to assist them along their parenting journey. They cover from conception till your little one is well into their teens years and everything mom needs along the way. They discuss topics moms have questions needing answers to everyday.

Yanna and Shanophia actually met in college where they became great friends. Through the years they each have taken different routes in life but one thing commonly ties them together and thats motherhood. They have always leaned on one another for advice and finally decided there just has to be moms just like them with the same questions thus MMC was conceived.

The most unique thing about MMC is it’s written by two moms with completely different stories. It shows that no matter the circumstance, beliefs, views, etc motherhood is one thing all of us moms have in common. This is what fuels the purpose of MMC and what aids bringing all moms together in one space.

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