Social Needs

Children need opportunities to:

Learn that rules exist so people can live together comfortably and fairly
Learn how to be a friend and how to tell who isn't
Learn how to cooperate, take turns, win/lose, be a good sport
Feel pride in themselves, their families, and their cultures
Interact frequently, comfortably and appropriately with adults
Have opportunities for time alone and time with others
Organize their own activities, and at other times have activities organized for them
Learn to respect individual, family, and cultural differences
Learn how to solve problems without using aggression
Observe others and what goes on around them
Understand and accept limits
Learn that they should listen respectfully to others, and be listened to as well
Understand the difference between bragging and self-confidence
Learn what it means to be a good leader and how take direction from one
Learn how and when to ask permission
Express their feelings and respect the feelings of others
Be a polite guest and to be a gracious host
Learn about humor and when its appropriate
Learn about honor and being accountable

While we cannot reasonably expect toddlers, preschoolers and young children to act like perfect ladies and gentlemen, we can model appropriate social behavior so that children can observe and learn from us. You need to demonstrate self control, be a good loser, listen well, show empathy, accept  limits, and cooperate with each others.

Remember...
MODEL, MODEL, MODEL!

Related training:
Teaching Basic Social Skills (1 hour / .1 CEU)
Enhancement of Social and Emotional Development - 14 hours
Strategies for Teaching Social and Emotional Development - 2 hours
Stages of Social and Emotional Development in Infants (1 hour / .1 CEU)
Stages of Social and Emotional Development in Toddlers (1 hour / .1 CEU)
Stages of Social and Emotional Development in Preschoolers (1 hour / .1 CEU)