The Family Forum at Carmel Blue last night was a success! Thanks to all the parents for coming and thanks to Sharone at Carmel Blue for hosting. I really enjoyed the discussion and I love hearing all the wonderful stories and creative ideas about how to encourage peer relationship skills in your young ones.
We discussed developmentally appropriate expectations for babies and toddlers, how to teach appropriate social skills such as sharing; how to encourage cooperation among young children, and what to do if children are not getting along. I will share some of the highlights.
Peer relationship skills can be taught at an early age through modeling the behavior, practicing the skills in play, and learning effective communication ("blocks, please" or "my turn, please"). Although your two-year-old may be capable of learning how to take turns and share toys, don't worry if they don't want to. As toddlers they are full of emotion, egocentric and without empathy so if your toddler is reluctant to give up their favorite toy, remember - this is normal!
When children are not getting along, encourage taking turns (set a timer), separate the children and redirect them in a different activity. You can play games that encourage cooperation and taking turns, like catch, ring around the rosie, or riding the seesaw.
Books are a great way to introduce new concepts to children. Free Spirit Publishing www.freespirit.com has great books about sharing and listening. But, practice is the best way for them to develop these skills.
We discussed developmentally appropriate expectations for babies and toddlers, how to teach appropriate social skills such as sharing; how to encourage cooperation among young children, and what to do if children are not getting along. I will share some of the highlights.
Peer relationship skills can be taught at an early age through modeling the behavior, practicing the skills in play, and learning effective communication ("blocks, please" or "my turn, please"). Although your two-year-old may be capable of learning how to take turns and share toys, don't worry if they don't want to. As toddlers they are full of emotion, egocentric and without empathy so if your toddler is reluctant to give up their favorite toy, remember - this is normal!
When children are not getting along, encourage taking turns (set a timer), separate the children and redirect them in a different activity. You can play games that encourage cooperation and taking turns, like catch, ring around the rosie, or riding the seesaw.
Books are a great way to introduce new concepts to children. Free Spirit Publishing www.freespirit.com has great books about sharing and listening. But, practice is the best way for them to develop these skills.
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