Our little one's ability to relate to others, is obtained from the early lifeConsidering that more and more children are attending daycare or preschool, places where they have constant contact with other children, children begin to socialize earlier and outside of the family environment. Getting them to be sociable It is a very important skill that should be promoted and encouraged in children, both within their family and in their respective preschool.
The game is one of the main resources used when promoting socialization among children. From a young age, children will always seek to establish relationships with their peers. However, the way in which this relationship develops can changeDuring the first months of life, the child searches almost unconsciously, communication with adults through gestures, smiles, or even noises. Over time, these behaviors will become more consciously recognized by the child.
The best way to train our children's socialization is through contact with adults through imitationIt is through us that the little ones will learn how to function properly in societyThese lessons will be carried directly into their relationships with their peers. Therefore, if we want our children to acquire the social values necessary for good social performance in the future, it is It is important that we set an example and we correctly transmit those values in our daily lives. Likewise, it is important that let's control our children's emotionsThis is a very important task for us parents. With it, we will teach children to self-regulate their own emotions no longer acting impulsively. Improving their social behavior and enabling them to perform better in this area of their lives.
Some activities that can improve socialization in our children
1. Buy a pet
Recent research indicates that children with autism who have pets develop social skills more easilye. In particular, they are better at introducing themselves, answering questions, and asking others for information. Pets provide an opportunity for children to form emotional bonds. and respond to the emotions of others. They are also a valuable conversation starter, providing children with stories to share during interactions with their peers.
2. Toss a bean bag
Sometimes the simplest games can encourage the most important behaviors. Bean bag tosses are particularly effective in promoting socialization in children with autism. This is because they provide clear reinforcement of nuanced communication: children request the bean bag, usually through nonverbal cues, and are rewarded by having it thrown their way.
3. Compile a video clip
Video modeling involves showing children clips of desirable behaviors. Studies show that children with autism who watch these videos They have an easier time imitating the behaviors represented and apply them to new circumstances. They also tend to remember the videos long after watching them. This reinforces social skills as children They learn to imitate behaviors.
4. Introducing Improvisation
The acting exercises, particularly the improvisational theater activities , provide children with autism with a low-risk opportunity to practice social interactions with others. Through drama, you can simulate a wide range of real-life scenarios in which children with autism They may have trouble expressing themselves or interacting with others. With positive reinforcement from you and their peers, children will gradually learn to anticipate and react appropriately to a variety of emotions.
5. Let them lead
Children with autism need to learn to interact with their peers to develop social skills, but too much interaction in an unfamiliar environment can be overstimulating. To promote socialization in children with autism, organize group games and activities in which the child has the opportunity to lead. By putting them in charge of the activities, they can judge your own limits, stop when they exceed those limits and gradually learn to interact effectively.
6. Reinforce the results
Whether they are interacting with you, their peers, their pets, or anyone else, if your child shows signs of improved behaviorValidate those behaviors. Reinforcement can be as simple as praising them, although you may want to provide rewards for good behaviors demonstrated in particularly difficult circumstances. Ideally, these rewards should be clearly related to the behavior.