Build a Foundation for Success
Children who have developed confidence in their own agency are curious to learn and try new things. They are intrinsically motivated to work hard in order to master ideas and skills. They are capable of complex thinking and are able to make connections between a wide array of ideas. They are able to use these same skills to cultivate meaningful friendships. Children who are able to find a comfortable balance between following their own lead, and cooperating with others, are truly successful. They know how to engage with others in imaginative play and/or shared interests. They are able to understand the needs of others, and to communicate their own needs. They are able to participate in well-rounded reciprocal exchanges, while holding on to their own unique perspectives.
Close Developmental Gaps
Childhood development is rarely even, and many children struggle with some aspects of growing up. For the child with developmental delays, social interactions are especially daunting. The child who struggles to organize and express ideas due to speech and language challenges, or the child who is learning to make sense of the world while managing a Sensory Processing Disorder, will need added support to build social confidence and expertise. In addition, children who have accelerated cognitive abilities may need targeted help to expand their communication and play skills. As developmental gaps close, children are able to build on their inherent strengths, and create social repertoires that allow for joy and connection.
Meet Social Milestones
Social and emotional intelligence are the core of a child’s well-being. Every child wants to know how to initiate and sustain playful social interactions. No child wants to be overwhelmed by feelings of insecurity or frustration, or to be ruled by their own unpredictable impulses. Meeting social milestones means learning how to connect with peers in a satisfying way. It means knowing how to resolve conflicts verbally, being able to understand how a peer is feeling, and knowing how to respond. Mastering social milestones means being emotionally literate about yourself and others, and having real choices about when and how to join in.