Socialization

Once your child has learned how to play with toys correctly (Teaching Proper Play - Toy Etiquette), you can teach the child socialization. As you are working on proper play you will be starting to teach socialization even without meaning to do so. Teaching socialization starts with playing with your child.

Some children do not know how to play properly. It is up to their parents or teachers to teach proper play. Some children need help with socialization and that is hard to teach if you do not have more than one child.

Socialization skills start with an adult playing and interacting with a child. The child will play with a toy and the adult will try to play too. At first the adult will bring another toy and play near the child. The child will keep on playing. The adult will move into the child's space. When the child starts noticing the adult, the adult can interact with the child and ask about the child's toy or look at it. Anything that engages the child is a step in the right direction.

Once the child is comfortable playing with the adult and being near the adult, the adult will bring in another child to play. If a child can play with a trusted adult, he or she is ready to learn socialization with peers. The child that is to be interacted with can be a child that needs to learn socialization skills or a child that is more advanced. If it is a more advanced child, the adult will have to explain to the child that the other child is learning how to interact with children and may not immediately play with the child. The best type of "advanced" child to put in this situation is a child that has a sibling that needs socialization. The "advanced" child will better understand how to play and not be upset that the other child will not play.

The kids may start out playing separately for several days. Eventually, they will start playing in the same area and maybe even with the same toys. Once they have started to play in the same area they will notice what the other one is doing and will get curious. The adult may need to give them a toy they are both interested in so that they play and take turns.

If the children do not play in the same area, then the adult needs to take whatever toy one is playing with and put it near the other child's play area. If the children are playing in the same area it is easier for them to engage in play together without the help of an adult. Playing in the same space is an extremely important skill. It is how children learn and practice socialization.

If your child needs to learn proper play and socialization skills, you can be their first teacher. Play with your child. Share the toys with your child. Let your child get comfortable with someone in his or her play area. Preparing your child for the future is part of a parent's job and it all starts with play.