Communication is a vital part of what makes us human, our social interactions with one another builds relationships, understanding, self-esteem, confidence, empathy, emotional stability and so much more.

Since birth your child has been developing their language and communication skills through interactions with the people around them. From learning to smile, to their accent and phrases they acquire when speaking – you are a huge role model in their lives in many ways. This is the same for interacting with others; your child will observe your interactions with friends, family and general members of the public, picking up on body language, speech, tone and actions. So, it is always important to show your child how to interact with others by example.

When interacting with others your child uses both verbal and non-verbal communication. They will use their developing interaction skills to further their social and interpersonal skills as well as their communication. These attributes will enable them to build relationships with others, including their peers, which will support their transition from nursery to school.

Although your little one may know of a few friends from nursery going to the same school, there will be loads of new personalities and social situations at school that your child will need to interact with, over the coming years.

Providing your child with the opportunity to interact with others will give them the chance to establish boundaries, observe how others react to their actions, find their own way to negotiate and resolve problems without the support of an adult. As well as, work as part of a group, all of which are valuable skills that will support a positive transition to school.

During this difficult time, your child may have limited interactions with their peers. However, if they previously attended Kiddi Caru Day Nurseries Group, they would have been exposed to many interactions with staff, peers, visitors and children that are slightly older or younger.

By encouraging other key learning aspects, including listening, sharing, turn taking and following instructions, then they will lay the foundations for your child being able to interact with others once starting school in September.

Build their confidence by taking part in the below activities at home to encourage their interactions with others. Try to convince every member of the family, whether inside the house of remotely via video call, to get involved in the games too. The more people involved, the more experience of different personalities and situations, your child will experience.

Activity: Can you remember?

This game will encourage your child to interact with others as well as developing their memory and concentration skills.

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Activity: Matching Socks

Taking turns and waiting will support your child to interact with others as they are developing their problem solving and negotiating skills in social situations.

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