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It is further evident, that now starting from an even younger age, his need for communication Is becoming even more of not only a convenience but a raging necessity. A well-known theory, called the social-pragmatic theory, gives rise to the idea that we, as humans, are socially dependent upon one another for survival and Joy (Berger, 2011). Our colonization begins early in life and continues to flourish and adapt as we deem necessary. An early part of socializing as a child is fostering important friendships and play activities.
During practice as an Occupational therapist It Is important to note many differences between other cultures when roving treatment. However, Lawn and Lawn (2000) note In this article that there are many universal commonalities when touching on social skills. For example, almost everyone wants to make a friend, belong to a family or group, or have a loved one. Interactions such as these are important for both adults and children alike. It is often easy for us, as adults, to create and maintain relationships with others; however in a child’s eyes it may actually be quite terrifying.
The purpose of this article Is to emphasize the various factors that come to play when discussing child colonization. Lawn and Lawn (2000), state that not all children are able to develop and keep lasting friendships. Imagine, a child who is lonely and sad who seeks nothing more than a friend but can’t forge a friendship because he/she is too shy or can’t communicate well enough. According to this study by Lawn and Lawn (2000), children who are most likely to attain playmates are those who tend to be cooperative, able to provide communication to others, are friendly toward other constantly lonely.
With loneliness comes other negative emotions, and combined with being regularly excluded can lead to emotional problems, can damage legislations, and ruin a child’s self-esteem (Lawn & Lawn, 2000, p. 105). According to Berger (201 1), there is an application for parents to follow: find your child a playmate. “Even the most playful parent is outmatched by another child at negotiating the rules of tag, at wrestling on the grass, at pretending to be sick, at killing a dragon” (p. 269).
Parents can also be a useful source of evaluation for their children to guide them towards healthy colonization. “Proper adult guidance increases children’s likelihood of having playmates, friends, and other positive legislations” (Lawn & Lawn, 2000, p. 105). Parents understand that when their children have positive social relationships they are less likely to have physical, social, and physiological consequences of loneliness. Two checklists are provided for those who have interactions with children, such as parents, teachers, and caregivers.
Lawn and Lawn (2000) state these checklists are useful evaluation tools, in conjunction with observation of the child, to determine whether or not the child is relating effectively and to gauge how adults relate to and influence youngsters. Ultimately, there is not Just one factor that influences relationships. It is easy to see that the cultivation of friendships and playmates from an early age provides positive social and emotional development. According to Berger (201 1), young children play best with peers.
There is no substitute for the experience children gain from interacting with other peers. Even though parents provide a wonderful resource of advanced social skills, children learn many crucial and important lessons from other children around their own age and social status. Parents can also be a vital tool for exulting their child’s colonization. Parents can observe and evaluate their children and guide them toward successful positive interactions with their peers.
As a future Occupational therapist who could possibly work with children, it is important to know why social skills are so incredibly important. According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, children need to develop social skills in order to interact in school, keep and maintain friends, cope with stress and other feelings, and in learning to self-advocate. Practitioners evaluate, observe, and guide children toward colonization in ways similar to parents.