A significant portion of a child's brain development occurs during the first two years of life, according to neurologist Lise Eliot. After this time, the brain begins pruning unused and unnecessary neural pathways. Consequently, it's important to expose children to a wide variety of stimuli to encourage their brain to develop appropriate neurons. Social skills are learned behaviors that affect a child's personality, ability to make friends and cognitive development. High-quality environments and proper infant care encourage babies to develop social skills.
Brain Development
Babies who are raised in nurturing, interactive environments typically develop more neural pathways and experience less neural pruning. Except for when genetic conditions, such as autism or Down Syndrome, predispose a child to social difficulties, the overwhelming majority of social skills are determined by a child's environment, according to Eliot. Because much of a child's brain development occurs early in life, the necessary prerequisites to developing social skills are established in infancy.
Attachment
Attachment is the ability of a child to bond with caregivers and develop healthy relationships. The research of John Bowlby demonstrated that children's attachment patterns are established in the first year or two of life, according to "Child Psychology." Children whose parents provide responsive, attentive care develop healthy attachment patterns. Children who are abused, neglected or otherwise mistreated develop unhealthy attachment patterns, such as inability to bond with others, difficulty coping with separation and anger. Children with maladaptive attachment patterns frequently struggle with attachment for the rest of their lives, which can interfere with social skills, romantic relationships and even school performance, according to Eliot.
Verbal Development
Verbal development is an important part of social skills. Children who learn to speak early are better able to communicate their needs and typically continue to communicate well throughout life. Numerous studies indicate that parents tend to talk and engage more with female babies, notes "Child Psychology." This helps account for the fact that women have better verbal skills and higher empathy scores than men on average. When parents talk with their children, express emotions and encourage children to respond to questions, children speak earlier and develop stronger social skills.
Childcare
Most children are occasionally cared for by people other than their parents, and the quality of this care strongly affects social skills and cognitive development. Responsive, loving nannies and babysitters help children form strong relationships with people other than their parents. This encourages healthy social skills and teaches children how to relate to friends. Conversely, unresponsive, cruel or neglectful caregivers may harm a child's social skills and attachment, even if the parents are loving and responsive, according to "Child Psychology."
References
- "The Portable Pediatrician"; William Sears, M.D., et al.; 2011
- "Child Psychology: Development in a Changing Society"; Robin Harwood, et al.; 2008
- "Health, Safety and Nutrition for the Young Child"; Lyn R. Marotz; 2011
- "Child Psychology: Development in a Changing Society"; Robin Harwood, et al.; 2008
