Whether you’re engaging with coworkers or making conversation with other parents, many of your social skills as an adult come as second nature. However, it’s important to remember that these capabilities are learned behaviors that younger children—especially toddlers—may not have fully developed. Fortunately, there are lots of ways you can enhance your child’s social skills, whether they’re in preschool classes or on the playground.

Why Are Social Skills Important for a Toddler?

Kids who respect people, share, and use empathy will have an easier time making friends. As your toddler practices socializing, they will start to explore their independence and feel more confident in their abilities.

Focusing on these skills in childhood will help your little one develop a solid foundation for socializing. This foundation will stick with them throughout their entire life and help them understand what it means to have healthy relationships.  

How Can Parents Help Toddlers Develop Sound Social Skills?

1. Set a Good Example

One of the best ways parents can help toddlers develop social skills is to set a good example. Some easy ways to do this include using polite language, offering to share with others, and expressing how certain actions make you feel.

2. Observe Play

As your child experiments with independence on the playground, maintain your distance, but keep an eye on their behavior. Playtime is a great opportunity to determine which skills your little one needs to work on—such as taking turns, including others, or making personal introductions.  

3. Explain the Impact of Good Behaviors

Instead of simply praising good behaviors, take time to explain how certain actions impact others. For example, when someone shares with your child, ask them how it made them feel. When they say it made them feel happy, you demonstrate how taking turns with toys can make others feel the same way. As they associate this positive behavior with their actions, they will be more likely to practice them regularly.  

4. Work on Projects Together

Parents should schedule time to complete projects with their toddlers—such as baking in the kitchen or getting creative with arts and crafts.  As simple as these activities may be, they help your child learn the value of teamwork and their contributions in a social setting.  

Learning Through Play Cafe, Inc. is the ideal spot for parents and kids to have fun and pick up on social skills. At this one-of-a-kind café in West Chester, OH, children can make friends on the playground and express creativity through arts and crafts. During playtime, parents can sit back, relax, and enjoy a variety of freshly-prepared items—such as coffee and lunch. Visit this venue online to learn more about their activities and menu. For questions, call (513) 847-8133.