By age 3, most children benefit from some form of regular social
contact, such as nursery school or play groups. Playing with other children
even one day a week provides opportunities to practice and develop important
social, emotional, and language skills. Children learn to share, cooperate, and
negotiate as they interact with their peers.
Some children cry or cling when they are dropped off at a new day
care or preschool. Assure your child that you will return and that the setting
is fun and safe. If necessary, stay for a short while on the first few days,
where the child can see you. Avoid talking with, cuddling, or holding your
child for too long. If you show signs of nervousness and give the child a lot
of attention, it is likely to raise his or her anxiety level. Allow your child
to take the initiative in approaching others. Eventually, most children easily
adapt and become comfortable in the group. However, realize it may take longer
for some children, and don't consider it a failure on your part or your child's
if he or she needs more time to adjust.
Social skills are learned from repeated practice. Work with your
child to resolve problems with sharing, taking turns, or cooperating with
others. For example, if a toy cannot be shared, try putting the toy in time-out
rather than a child.
