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How are You Doing?
Building Your Toddler's Social Skills By Alexandria Powell
Communication skills are very important to social development. Toddlers often become frustrated when their mouths can't keep up with their brains and emotions. In fact, the inability to communicate wants and needs is "a big component to toddler aggression," says Goff.
Brooke Hadley of Austin, Texas, began working on her sons' vocabulary at a very early age by teaching them infant sign language. Today, her sons are ages 2 and 4 and Hadley says their communication skills have paid off. "Because they feel comfortable in their development, I've noticed how easily they interact with other children," she says.
Goff notes that parents and caregivers are often so receptive to a baby or toddler's needs that they inadvertently take away opportunities to communicate. "If the child walks into the kitchen and looks up at the cabinet, the parents know that means, 'I want a drink,'" says Goff. "It's important to take the next step by asking your child what she wants and giving her time to try to respond."
Even more important is simply talking with your toddler. "I think the absolute key point is having conversations with your child," says Goff. "Talk with her, even if it is about what you see as you drive down the road or the back of a cereal box."