The pandemic taught us a lot of things, like how to properly wash your hands and the importance of social distancing to avoid spreading germs. But for kids born during the lockdown, they didn’t get the chance to learn important social skills that help humans make friends.
Now that the pandemic is over, it’s clear that there is some catching up to do. Yet “the opportunity to learn and practice social skills in a group setting is especially important for newborns born during the pandemic,” Daniel Adams of Still Water Wellness told Mom.com. Here’s what you can do to help.
Social-emotional development
Preschoolers have opportunities to socialize
As your child grows, there are more opportunities to socialize. You can sign your child up for preschool where there is organized group activities and a teacher who facilitates interactions and making friends. Sheelay McCaughan has two pandemic babies and finds that preschool has helped a lot. “Both my babies are in preschool programs now and have their own little social circle,” she says. But their social skills are different from each other. “My youngest definitely takes longer to warm up to new situations than my older one does,” she continued.
Remember that each child has their own natural inclinations to socialization. Some children will always find it difficult to make new friends, while others eventually warm up.
Finding the right preschool that fits your values and educational goals for your child can be challenging. This was true well before the pandemic. But take your time to ask questions on how the school aids children struggling with social skills. A nurturing, inclusive environment is important to help pandemic babies step out of their shells and engage with their peers. Once they start, they’ll begin to form bonds with new friends and see the rewards of socializing.
