The early years of your child’s life can play a massive part in their social and emotional development, as they begin to navigate the world around them, learn to how interact with others and build confidence.
In this blog, we’ll explore how nursery can help develop your child’s social skills, share tips for encouraging friendships, and suggest ways to help your little one socialise outside the nursery environment.
1. How nursery can help socialise your child
Childcare provides the perfect environment for your child to interact with others and develop crucial social skills.
This environment helps children build essential skills like sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with their peers—key elements in forming friendships and managing relationships later in life.
Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on communication and emotional development, with Strong and Confident Communicator as one of its core pillars. Children are also encouraged to develop a positive sense of self, supporting confidence, and build strong relationships to create Resilient & Motivated Individuals.
Through our play-based learning approach, children take part in group activities, storytelling, and collaborative projects, all designed to encourage self-expression and communication.
Children can enhance key skills including eye contact, body language, paying attention, how to actively listen and express their emotions.
This emphasis on social interaction not only fosters strong communication skills but also contributes to a positive transition to school, preparing children for the next steps in their learning journey.
2. Encouraging your child to make friends inside and outside of nursery
Making friends is a big part of your child’s social journey. Here are some tips to help encourage those connections:
Arrange playdates
Organising playdates with nursery friends can help strengthen their bonds. This relaxed setting allows your child to feel comfortable and develop friendships outside of the nursery.
Join local groups
Look for community activities like sports, art or dancing. These groups give your child the chance to meet new friends while engaging in fun and stimulating activities.
Promote sharing and teamwork
Reinforce the importance of sharing and cooperation during playtime at home. Encourage your child to invite others into their games and to be mindful of their friends’ feelings.
Model positive social behaviour
Children learn a lot by watching adults. Show them how to engage with other people in the right way, whether it’s greeting a neighbour or chatting with other parents. Your example can help them understand.
3. Activities to help a child socialise outside of the nursery environment
While nursery plays a crucial role in social and emotional development in early childhood, there are plenty of ways to encourage your child’s social and emotional skills in their everyday life:
Family outings
Plan trips to parks, museums, or local events where your child can interact with others. These outings expose them to different social situations and help build confidence.
Encourage independent play
Let your child play with friends in safe outdoor spaces. These activities promote the benefits of outdoor learning, as well as building confidence and resilience as they navigate social interactions.
Participate in community events
Join in on local festivals or community gatherings as a family. These occasions create relaxed environments for your child to meet and interact with a variety of people.
Engage with neighbours
Encourage your little one to play with children in the neighbourhood. Simple activities, like inviting friends over or joining in on outdoor play, can significantly boost their social skills.
4. Learn more about Happy Days Nurseries
At Happy Days Nurseries, we’re dedicated to supporting your child’s emotional and social development in early childhood.
We’re passionate about supporting the development of the children in our care both when they’re at nursery, and when they’re at home, sharing effective tips and guidance for parents.
To learn more about how we support positive transitions to school and foster social development, visit our curriculum page or find a nursery near you.
Get in touch if you have any questions by calling 0800 783 3431 or emailing enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com.