Social Development from One - Three Standard(s): 2.3 Workplace Skill(s): 1. Complex Communication

Important Vocabulary Socialization – process by which young children learn to get along with other people, first in families, then groups Parallel Play – playing near, but not actually with other children Cooperative Play – playing with another child Self-Discipline – the ability to control one’s own behavior Autonomy - independence

General Social Patterns Eighteen months Begin developing some independence from family unit Don’t interact much with each other; engage in parallel play Treat people more like objects than human beings

General Social Patterns, cont’d Two Years Good at understanding and interacting with main caregivers Usually engage in parallel play, but may interact with other kids Start to understand idea of sharing or taking turns Two and One-Half Years May refuse to do anything for one person, while happily doing anything for someone else Begin to learn about the rights of others Social play is still parallel Frequent, but brief squabbles

General Social Patterns, cont’d Three Years Will share, help, or do things another person’s way just to please someone Begin cooperative play Seek friends on their own Three and One-Half Years Disagreements occur less often Use several different strategies to resolve conflicts Take more notice of what others are like Play includes more conversation

Making Friends Ability to make friends is important to normal social development Important to have contact with other people so they learn the give-and-take of socializing

How to Help Kids Develop Social Skills Model good social skills Show respect for other people’s belongings Help children understand and respect others’ feelings Show children how to use words rather than being physical

Imaginary Friends May appear as early as two; more common around 3 or 4 Often used to find a way to examine their own thoughts and feelings No cause for concern unless they continue on through adolescence

Guidelines for Guidance Guidance means using firmness and understanding to help children learn how to control their own behavior Caregivers need to help children develop self-discipline Gradually children develop a conscience – or inner sense of what is right and wrong

Setting Limits Show an understanding of the child’s desires Set the limit and explain it Acknowledge the child’s feelings Give alternatives!!!

Encouraging Independence Important for caregivers to promote autonomy, or independence Ex. Give children unbreakable dishes when self-feeding Ex. Choose clothes that are easy to take on and off when self-dressing

Possible Behavioral Problems Biting & hitting are common forms of misbehavior Important to guide the child to more appropriate behavior and find out why the child is acting in a certain way The may not know how to express themselves differently Some experts believe time-outs help; they are another way of saying “you can’t do that”

Activity Draw up a simple set of rules about getting along with other people. Base the rules on self-respect, respecting others, and respecting things. Word the rules so that two- and three-year-olds understand the rules and the three principles.