Toddlers Learn Social Skills One Tiny Moment at a Time

Toddlers are still learning how to be little humans around other little humans.

Social skills develop gradually through everyday experiences, and playing beside another child without really playing together, called parallel play, is completely normal during the toddler years.

Short playdates, trips to the playground, practicing taking turns, and reading books about emotions are all simple ways to build social skills. Parents can also model gentle hands, kind words, sharing, and how to handle frustration when things don’t go as planned.

And remember, sharing is hard.

Toddlers are not expected to consistently share, cooperate, or manage big emotions perfectly.

These skills develop with time, practice, and lots of repetition.

Did you know that we assess your child’s social skills in addition to other important developmental milestones at each well visit? Call today to schedule their next visit with Steel City Pediatrics.