In this day and age, introducing social skills in young children can become more and more difficult with the ever-growing electronic age. Children are being introduced to technology earlier in their lives. Instead of children getting dirty clothes and bruised knees from playing outside with their friends, some may be experiencing neck aches, head ache from looking down at their devices too long. This lack of social time is also a potential cause for the early onset of childhood obesity. Younger children have cell phones and iPads and are learning to use them better and faster than adults do. As advanced as this is, and as impressive as it may seem, there is the potential that they are missing out on important social skills that are vital to a successful future.
Reasons to Socialize Your Kids
- Me vs. You: Children can be naturally egocentric, thinking of themselves as the center of their world as they know it. It takes time to teach a child to think of others as well as themselves. It is important to socialize children so that they will be able to successfully and positively interact with others, learning vital characteristics such as sharing, not only at home but at school.
- Academics: Children with poor social skills may feel rejected by peers in school, potentially developing self-esteem issues or depression. This may impact their focus in school and their academic advancements. Children at a young age need to learn responsibility for their actions, how to value themselves and others, to share with others and groups, and how to handle negative encounters with peers.
- Adult Relationships: Children with poor social skills often have trouble forming healthy relationships as an adult. They can also shows forms of anger and aggression as they get older, and they can have trouble engaging with others in a healthy and positive way. It is important that we engage children with others and encourage healthy social interaction while they are young and as they grow.
- Siblings or Not: Children with siblings have a natural exposure to social skills because they learn to grow and interact with their brothers or sisters. However, not all children have siblings. Children without siblings will need to be introduced to important social skills just as others are. Socializing children will help them learn these important social skills they otherwise may not learn at home.
We may often forget how important it is to socialize our kids and how vital it will be for their future. Making sure we teach children the importance of sharing, caring, and empathy are crucial for successful and positive relationships. ASI’s new Preschool Program has incorporated social skills into its curriculum and children will begin learning about them while also making friends in class! Let’s not forget the importance of socializing our children and lets build them a bright future!