As children learn language they learn how to communicate in complex ways. They learn how to communicate differently to different people, such as parents, siblings, grandparents, and teachers. Babies start to develop interpersonal relationships as soon as they are born. They ‘bond’ with parents and siblings by making eye-contact and recognizing faces, voice sounds, tone and pitch. They smile when they are happy and content, and cry when they are hungry, tired, hurt, or need a diaper change. Children learn interpersonal and social skills based on their experiences; they learn from what worked for them in the past. If a baby cries and then gets fed, they will learn to cry every time they are hungry. Once some simple language has been acquired, they learn it is more acceptable to ask for food. Later, with the right encouragement, children will learn that using sentences including the word ‘please’ to ask for food may be their best strategy for success.
As children develop communication skills, their interpersonal and social skills mature as well.
How can we foster positive interpersonal problem solving skills in preschoolers?
Through guided play, modeling, and reading literature, parents and teachers can teach preschoolers:
- The use of appropriate greetings.
- How to initiate play with peers and adults.
- How to to join an activity with peers.
- How to begin and continue a conversation.
- How to appropriately communicate needs, desires, and ideas.
- How to solve a problem with a peer.
- How to compromise.
- How to understand non-verbal signals from others, body language, and facial expressions.
- How to display appropriate non-verbal communication.
- Awareness of the personal space of others.
Preschool Connections 