Development of skills is an integral part of a child’s growth pattern. As and when a baby begins to communicate through words and gestures, his skill of socialization begins to blossom.
However, not all children turn out to be outgoing from the onset of establishing social practices. Some tend to prefer staying aloof. This can be a bummer as socializing is an important life skill that helps them identify better with society.
As parents know the importance attached to socialization, they have to play the role of a guide if their children naturally fail to adopt an outgoing personality.
Here is a guide as to how you can assist your toddlers in getting out of the cocoon and becoming one with the world around.
1. Trace their interests
When children prefer to keep away from communicating with others, it’s the best to track where their interest lies. This helps you come up with a point of commonality for your toddler to bond over.
For instance, if your kid is inclined towards playing guitar, then you can take him to a guitar class. There he will have people who he can resonate with easily, at least on some level.
While it’s integral to make your kids bond with children with diverse interests, it’s best to start by introducing them to people with common interests.
2. Help him develop inquisitiveness
The best way to establish communication is by introducing the question and answer pattern. You can assist them in striking conversation by questioning about the other person. Make sure that the question isn’t followed by an answer that uses a yes/no format.
Rather it should be more informational in nature. Furthermore, the other person can also carry on the interaction by posing questions that interest the child.
Always try to encourage your child to ask as many questions as possible. Give him positive reinforcements in forms of smile or patting on the back to help him learn the behaviour better.
3. Consult a parenting coach
Most first time parents find it very hard to understand the nitty-gritty of parenting. Here comes the role of an expert who can help bridge the gap between your child and yourself.
Since your child’s social abilities can be only enhanced when you have a clear idea of his thoughts on socialization, a parenting coach can help you unveil all such reasons.
For instance, experts from platforms such as Life Litmus can help you understand why and how will your child unlearn less social behaviour and learn the contrary.
4. Conduct empathy lessons
One vital function of socialization is empathizing with others. When a child knows what another person feels in a certain situation, he’s more likely to feel connected.
For example, you can build hypothetical scenarios and try communicating to your child what a person might feel in that situation.
An integral step in developing empathy is being an active listener. As your child learns to listen to others, he will start figuring out other people’s emotions, thereby understanding them better.
5. Don’t try pushing your child a lot
There is a reason why people have different personality traits. While some are extroverts, others fall in the categories of introverts or ambiverts.
A child who is an introvert cannot be expected to transform into an enthusiastic extrovert. Such expectations are irrational and put your children in a fix. So while teaching your child to socialize, you have to be mindful of his personal limitations. It’s fine if he’s more comfortable in smaller settings. The purpose is to make him feel comfortable and at ease.
6. Act wisely around your child
Children tend to replicate the behaviour pattern they observe. Especially during the growing up years, it is important to be a wise role model for them.
Impersonating the kind of communication pattern you want them to practice is what you need to portray in front of them. Children constantly watch their elders to get cues for what to do.
So if you listen empathetically, ask questions, and communicate effectively with people around you, your kid is going to incorporate that in his demeanour as well.
In Essence
Every kid has a distinctive personality trait. While some might easily get acquainted with people, others may face some difficulties. As parents, it’s your responsibility to help them develop some social skills without pushing them off their limits.
Irrational expectations can sometimes bind them in their cocoon further. A guided behaviour with positive reinforcements can help them learn to socialize actively.
Since toddlers are on a constant watch for what the elders are doing, portray an effective communication pattern for them to acknowledge and replicate.
As much as you want your children to socialize with everyone, beginning with like-minded people is always preferable.
Know that excelling is the life skill of optimum socialization is way more important for your child than conventional success.