Socialization- Sometimes It Takes Practice

For some kids socializing does not come easy. It can be a terrifying experience after rejection or not knowing where to start. As a parent, it can be really hard watching your child struggle, be rejected, or say that they do not have friends.

I remember a therapist comforting me one day after my son said he didn’t have any friends. She hugged me and said, “For some, socialization just takes a little practice.”

So, we started practicing. To help our children learn how to interact with others, we started :

1.      Going to a social group: The behavior specialist worked on guiding the children on how to interact (what to say and do)

2.      Enrolled the kids in preschool/ Mother’s Day Out so they could practice what they were learning with peers their age

3.      Started extra-curricular activities such as gymnastics, swimming, and soccer

4.      Went to playgrounds (outside and indoors at fast food restaurants)

In the beginning, it was hard.  The kids would hide or cover their ears and scream. Sometimes they would start stimming.

I learned that I needed to start this process off slow. I didn’t want to overwhelm them, but wanted them to have a successful experience. So, I would make sure that they were in small classes and at play areas on off times when only a few kids were there.

After really practicing socialization for a year and a half, my kids have learned to make friends in their Pre-school and Mothers Day Out programs. They have also learned how to tolerate noise levels at an indoor playground (Yes! We had a successful trip to Chickfila where they played on the playground with seven other kids in the room). Little by little, my little caterpillars are becoming social butterflies. I can’t wait for the day where they walk up to another child on the playground and interact/ invite them to play. I know it will bring tears to my eyes.

If your child is struggling with socialization, hang in there. It does get easier.  It might just take some practicing.