Early childhood is a time of rapid growth and development for
kids across all four main areas: motor(physical), communication and language,
cognitive, and social & emotional. A strong foundation for lifelong
learning and growth is built through social and emotional development.
In reality, social and emotional development in children starts
from birth. For example, crying is to communicate a need to their parents, turning
their head is to listen to their parents or caregiver's words, or cooing while
looking at them. A number of studies show that kid's social-emotional growth is
fundamentally linked to better outcomes at home, school, and in their neighborhood
or community.
This article will discuss the basics of social and emotional
development, its importance, and how to encourage kids to develop these skills
for overall growth, development, and learning.
You can also read: Cognitive Development In Children: Why Is It Important For Children To Develop Cognitive Skills
Creative Play: Why Is Creative Play So Important For A Child's Growth And Development
Physical Activities For Children: Is It Important For Children To Engage A Physical Activity
What Is Social and Emotional Development?
Children's social and emotional development refers to how
they begin to understand and learn to express their emotions, build relationships,
and what to expect when interacting with others. It is the development of the capability
to
--> establish and maintain positive, healthy relationships
--> feel, control, and express emotions
--> explore and engage with one's surroundings and
community
Why Is Social and Emotional Development Important?
Social and emotional development has an impact on a child's
feelings of value and importance to people around them, as well as their self-confidence,
empathy, and ability to develop positive and long-lasting relationships.
Parents and caretakers have a significant role in a child's social
and emotional development because they offer consistent bonding. Consistent
bonding with family members, friends, teachers, and the community helps them to
learn about relationships and they can explore emotions in interactions. Based
on interactions, experiences, and surroundings, they get a better knowledge of and
understanding of relationships.
Other benefits of social and emotional development include:
--> exposure to social environments, they develop
competence and proper social interactions
--> with the help of their teachers and children's
activities, they learn about the world
--> they gain the ability to think independently and solve
difficulties
--> they improve their communication skills
Social and emotional development generally depends on a supportive
environment, experiences, and interactions. Without a doubt, the development of
other skills is linked to this social and emotional development.
What Are Social-Emotional Skills, and What Do They Help Children Do?
Social and emotional knowledge or skills are important for
interacting with others. It helps children develop healthy relationships,
emotional stability, and tolerance. The chances of success in school, the
workplace, and life are higher for kids who have strong social-emotional
skills. Children with social-emotional skills :
--> make and maintain friends
--> develop self-confidence
--> learn the ability to manage stress and anxiety
--> solve problems and make smart decisions, and
--> became aware of their strengths and weaknesses
How Can Parents Support Their Children's Social-Emotional Development?
1. Act as a role model
Parents should set an example for the feelings and actions
they want their children to show. You act as your child's first role model, and
they definitely observe and learn from everything you do.
2. React immediately
Be responsive to your child's emotions and behavior. By
addressing their emotions, you can encourage your child to develop trust in
you.
3. Ask questions
To help your child learn how to solve difficulties on their
own, simply ask them questions like "what would you do in this(certain)
situation, How did you handle this problem? etc."
4. Encourage your child
When your child likes to try new things, just encourage them.
Encouragement will help them to learn and try new things in life.
5. Engage your child in interactive games
Playing games with children can help parents teach them how
to share, negotiate, take turns, and accept success and failure.
Note: Parents should be careful when picking games to play
with their children.
Activities For Developing Social and Emotional Skills
Here are some easy, fun activities that parents may conduct
with their young children to help them develop social and emotional skills.
1. Ball game
The best activity for younger children to build relationships
is playing ball games. A simple way to start play and turn-taking is to roll a
ball back and forth cooperatively.
2. Role play
Role-playing is a great way for children to learn social
skills, but at first, they need guidance and support from the story. But with
time, kids will start to create imaginative situations that allow them to play
while improving their social-emotional skills.
3. Reading books
Reading actually has a huge number of benefits, including the
development of social and emotional skills. After reading a children's book
with social-emotional content, having a discussion about it with your kids will
help them learn to understand and allow them to share their own emotional
experiences.
4. Games with family
Playing games with their families provides children with the
opportunity to practice and learn turn-taking, as well as win and lose, share,
and negotiate, as well as the emotions associated with each.
Note: Parents should remind kids to observe rules, take
turns, and maintain a friendly atmosphere even when they are frustrated,
particularly while playing in groups.
5. Sports
Encouraging an active lifestyle through playing sports offers
the best opportunities for social-emotional development. Children learn that
their actions have an impact on others and that people depend on one another
when they play as a team. Children who participate in team sports learn the
importance of fair play and good sportsmanship, which are expressions of social
and emotional development.
These fun home activities for preschoolers will help in the development
of their social and emotional skills. Your kid's teacher will also be focusing
on the development of these abilities if your child attends a preschool,
nursery, or play school.
Final Thought
One thing that parents should always keep in mind is that, just
as in other developmental areas, different children will develop various
talents at different stages. Give your child the time and space that they need
to develop their social and emotional skills. If you are worried about the
social and emotional development of your child, do not hesitate to talk with a healthcare
professional.