Society has a significant influence on the development of the child's self-image and the cultivation of self-esteem. Children have a strong need for belonging. Their natural affiliation group is their peer group. Children differ from each other in the level of interest they show in other children. Some children like to be surrounded by friends, while others settle for a limited number of friends and prefer a smaller group. What determines whether the child is sociable and communicative is the nature and quality of the friendships and not the number of friends.
Factors affecting social capacity
There are several factors that affect a child's ability to make social connections:
A role model at home - If the parents maintain social ties, they give the children a personal example. On the other hand, a child who grows up in a family that is detached from society and sees their parents as socially isolated is unlikely to be able to develop social relationships as easily.
Exposure to the company of children at a young age - A child who is exposed to the company of children their age in the early stages of their life, is more likely to grow up to be a sociable person. A child who is in the company of adults only in their early years (usually the eldest child or an only child) may develop difficulty in forming social bonds with a group of peers at a later stage and may advance quicker because they are feeding off adult language and interaction.
The natural temperament of the child - some children have a very high intensity of their social needs, while others are revealed to be shy from an early age. Shyness can manifest itself from slight embarrassment to closure and avoidance of social contact. Some children are naturally outgoing. A lot of these factors are hereditary also. If the child has a learning difficulty or autism, this also could affect their development - but you must take extra care with children who have special needs because they will need to be further nurtured carefully. You should consider daycare for kids too because this can help children with a range of issues or those who have none at all.
Factors that bring positivity to fruition
Positive feedback - it is important to create social gatherings that leave behind them positive experiences. Be sure to compliment and praise your children often. By doing so, you will naturally shape your child's character and give them a positive self-image. A child who grows up feeling that their positive actions will develop a higher self-image will feel more comfortable complimenting others and sharing their positive energy to those around them.
Develop patience towards the other - give the child a toolbox that will help them in real-time. Identify different situations in your and your children's daily lives where the child has to deal with the presence of another person. For example, waiting in line at the swimming pool or interacting with other children who may live nearby. Take advantage of these situations to explain to the child what behavior is expected of them, and to always use their manners!
