BRIGHT HORIZONS Socialization for Children and Why it Matters

Socialization for Children and Why It Matters

SUBMITTED BY: MORGAN STEIN, CENTER DIRECTOR, BRIGHT HORIZONS

After spending so much time at home throughout the past 18 months, are you worried about your child’s social development? You’re not alone.

Parents and caregivers everywhere are concerned about the lack of group care, playdates, sports, art classes, and other group activities their children have experienced throughout the pandemic. But experts say: children are going to be just fine. Read on to find out why socialization is so important, especially in your child’s early years, and learn how can you help your child make up for missed opportunities. Plus, get strategies for helping them ease back into the increasingly social world.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIALIZATION

All areas of growth and development are connected — and social interaction boosts healthy brain development. How? When children socialize with each other, they learn how to interact — to give and take, both verbally and non-verbally. They build empathy and the ability to negotiate. And they learn social cues and social norms. All of this helps encourage cognitive, literacy, and physical development.

REMEMBER THAT ALL HAS NOT BEEN LOST

Even though the past 18 months have been anything but normal, your child has still been socializing — with you, others in your household, and even pets. They’ve still been able to work on give and take, back and forth, accommodating each other, reading cues, and playing together.

BUILD SOCIAL SKILLS WITH PLAY As your child gets back into the swing of things, play is a great way to boost social development — it’s an incredible educational tool. Familiar games — such as Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light — can help resurface social skills like taking turns, following directions, and showing self-control. Structured play (think: board games) and unstructured play (such as building with blocks) can help, too. And for infants, something as simple as peeka-boo can build a social foundation.

HELP YOUR CHILD EASE BACK IN

Meet your child where they are, with the support they need. As they get comfortable being around others again, it might help if you stand with them while watching other children play — and talk about what you see. Help them figure out how to enter play situations: have them introduce themselves and ask the other children’s names. Or, join in play with your child and others, gradually stepping out as your child feels more relaxed.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

At Bright Horizons at Orange, you’ll find a place for socialization — and for kids to be kids — with health and safety policies that set the standard for the industry. Here, small group activities and a supportive environment help encourage interactions and build relationships. Children have opportunities to make new friends, enjoy one-on-one time with primary caregivers, and get the guidance they need to learn how to communicate, take turns, and solve problems. We know that social-emotional skills have an impact on future success — they’re just as important as academic skills — and we’re here to help your child get ready for all the big steps ahead.

Learn more about Bright Horizons at Orange — visit brighthorizons.com/ orange or call 203-799-8033. 