Developing Your One-Year-Old’s Social Skills

Most babies under a year old are perfectly content to spend most if not all of their time with their parents. In fact, their social habits during this time are so unpredictable that trying to get them out among other people is sometimes more trouble than it is worth. Toward the end of that first year, though, while separation anxiety and nervousness around strangers are still major concerns, babies do become much more interactive with those around them. At this time, parents can start thinking about actively developing baby’s social skills. Start at home When it comes to socializing babies, we tend to think of getting baby together with other young children, but do not forget that your own interactions with your child are also social. In the first year of your child’s life, you can give her a head start by both talking and responding to her. Speak clearly around her, even when you are not talking to her directly, and also emphasize important object and action words so that she might pick them up sooner. But do not stop at merely talking to your child. Make it as interactive as possible. Listen to her and respond to her, even though her speech-like sounds will not make much sense. Obviously, you cannot read her mind, and it may still be some time before she becomes skilled at telling you her wants and needs. But for now, the most important thing is that you react to her in some way so that she comes to understand that she has the ability to elicit things from you. Easing into social situations Around the first birthday, your baby’s developing social skills might often clash with a fear of anyone he does not see regularly. Some children do not experience anxiety as badly as others, and those who have already spent months going to daycare are obviously better equipped to be around a variety of people. But in all cases, it is a good idea to gently introduce your child to a new person. Some people, such as close friends and family members, might want the opportunity to hold the child right when they meet him, but this often does not work out well. Instead, let your child be close to you while in the presence of a new person. He will likely become more comfortable after a little while. Visit playgrounds By the end of your child’s first year, she will likely be big enough to ride in the baby swing at the playground. This is a great opportunity for her to be around other children, even if she is not directly interacting with them. Meanwhile, you can also just spend time at the playground, keeping a safe distance from the rowdier older kids. In all likelihood, she will enjoy watching the other kids play. Some playgrounds have designated areas for smaller children, usually with smaller play equipment that is closer to the ground. These are generally designated for children between the ages of two and four (though this can vary), so your child will not quite be old enough to actively play with the equipment. But by spending time in that area, you will give your child the chance to interact with other kids who are closer to her age. You will find that many kids around two to three years old will not be shy about coming up to your child and talking to her. Go to classes and events Your child is still too young for any formal educational activities, but there are classes for young children, usually involving things like music and art. Try attending a couple of these events in your area. Your child might not take to it, but it will be a new experience, and she may end up loving it and even making friends. Join or start a play group Being involved in a play group is a great way to give your child some supervised interaction with other children his age. Kids around one year old will still be a bit halting in their interactions with each other, but for parents, it is fascinating to watch the young kids play together and interact. Plus, another bonus of joining a play group is that it gives you the opportunity to get a little social interaction of your own. If you do not have friends with children the same age as yours, this is a chance to make a few. By Jamell Williams