Learning to share, take turns, chat, be comfortable and become friends with others are life-long skills. These skills take some time to learn! You can help your child practise learning these important things by playing together.
There are lots of different ways to do this. You can set up play dates with friends or family members, either in person or via FaceTime or WhatsApp.
Top tips
- All children are different. Some are livelier and more confident than others. Don’t compare and don’t worry if your child seems different to others. You know your child best, so give them the support and encouragement they need.
- Encourage and reassure your child to build their confidence as they start to make their own friends.
Children play in lots of different ways. There are lots of ways for your child to play and express themselves. Encourage them to do what they enjoy.
It might be:
- Playing on their own
- Watching other children play
- Playing alongside others by doing the same activity but not joining in together
- Becoming more interested in what others are playing and starting to chat together
- Playing together, usually in a small group
Learning to play with others is important for children’s personal, social and emotional development. You can be a great playmate for your child. Just follow their interests!
