The early years of a child's life are crucial for childhood social development.

So how do you promote social development in your child?

Childhood social development starts from birth through the interaction of a new born and his/her family. That very first glance at your baby initiates the social development phase through the infant-mother attachment.

Separation anxiety starts from about 9-12 months, when the infant shows distress as the mother (or other attachment figure) departs from a setting. This anxiety will fade away from 20-24 months.

Infants and toddlers who are "securely attached" are affectionate and tend not to cling to their mothers. Children at 12 months are sociable and explore the surrounding physical and social environment from this "secure base" - but still want you to be nearby.

To provoke positive social development it is important that you set a good example, because toddlers imitate a lot! We need to show them how to share, take turns and respect others. This is a very difficult concept for them, because they are very egocentric, get extremely jealous, possessive and have instant gratification!

Their favorite words are “no”, “mine” and “I want”.

This takes time and patience but the most frequently noted positive effect is better socialization, especially, better ability to interact with other children. Children learn the correct social principals through play. Toddlers like to interact with other children, but you have to keep the child’s age in mind.

Don't put too much pressure on building relationships. So many times parents will come and say my child/toddler is such an outsider. Remember, children play in different stages.

From 18 months they start showing concern for the needs of others, e.g. when someone cries, they are concerned.

We need to keep in mind that each child develops differently and at his/her own pace and that an individual child may develop more quickly in one area than in another. Thus, greater attention to language and literacy in early childhood social development programs can better prepare children for school success.

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