Social interaction helps young children to develop a sense of self-worth, and also learn what others expect from them.

By playing with other children, they learn skills that stick with them their whole life. Young children are egocentric by nature. Sharing, setting boundaries, and problem solving all come from socialising and interacting.

Children learn to have empathy for other people; recognise when their friends are sad or mad or even happy! Kids eventually will start to use these skills at home with their parents, siblings, and those around them.

At school, for example, through socialising, children learn the discipline and consequences for their behaviour. As they develop and pick-up social cues they learn what behaviors or reactions are appropriate and which ones aren’t.

Most importantly, as children grow, they realise that there are others in the world, and that other people have feelings, needs, and desires just like they do. Encourage your child to go out to play, talk, and engage in activities with others.

Activities that encourage social interaction include games and sports, and other extra-curricular activities at school such as debating, drama, and club activities.