The importance of socialization in our sons and daughters

Written by Jorge A. | Sociologist 

The importance of socializing our sons and daughters

Socialization in childhood and adolescence is one of the most important developmental aspects of our development and growth. Our children's social relationships with their environment are related not only to fun and entertainment, but also to the very construction of a child's identity.

We are social animals. From the very beginning, we seek out other people with whom to build emotional bonds. During childhood, starting at age three, the need for social interaction with our surroundings becomes apparent . Logically, this begins in the family environment, and gradually, through spaces like the park, birthdays, or school gatherings, the social environment outside the family will become increasingly important. It is considered that from the age of 9 or 10 onwards, the environment of friendships and social relationships will become more stable .

In this construction of the environment, we must bear in mind that the micro-society surrounding the child may acquire more importance in the construction of his or her identity than his or her own personality traits, genetic predispositions, and, over time, even family influences.

Lack of social skills, whether due to traits linked to shyness or other causes , must be addressed and worked on within the family setting . Parents must exercise their parental role by trying to identify the source of the apparent lack of social skills and find a solution. Does this mean taking action or interfering in our sons' and daughters' development? Although it is politically correct to express the opposite, we believe it does, it is necessary for parents to facilitate and foster, to the extent possible, a balanced and healthy social environment for their children. Considering that the poor development of social skills will, if left untreated and untreated, impact school grades, future romantic or professional life, etc.

One of the negative consequences of not providing a healthy, age-appropriate social environment for a child is low self-esteem . This devastating consequence can lead to an insecure child who often acts below his or her potential.

For all these reasons, we want to offer you 3 easy and concrete tips to stimulate your sons and daughters' social environment :

• Don't shy away from the park: Sometimes it can be annoying or tiring, but the park is the second most popular place for social interaction outside the home environment for children between 2 and 6 years old after school. In addition to stimulating psychomotor skills, it activates a powerful social learning mechanism: imitation.
  

• A YES to extracurricular activities: in moderation, without replacing entertainment, and as long as they are related to an activity the child enjoys. Extracurricular activities create a different environment from everyday life, and children are forced to interact with other children with whom they share interests.

  

• Role-Playing: Play with your child at home to be a journalist, a singer, an actor, or any other activity that involves telling stories or acting in front of you. In a playful format, taking all the pressure off, these types of games at home stimulate the imagination and serve as social training.

Ultimately, if we take care of our children's physical health by promoting good sleep, proper nutrition, and activity, how can we not intervene to promote our little ones' social health?