Socialization

Something that we find extremely important in our house is early childhood education. We do everything we can to teach our daughter early and well, literally starting the day she was born. I have some great things to talk about regarding our education principles here at The Girl Is A Mom but more on that in a later post. Part of our goals in educating Coraline center around her socialization.

I think being social is part skill and part personality, as a child I had neither. I was shy and frightened of the world which carried over well into adulthood. This is exactly what I hoped Coraline would not learn from me. So, every week since she was merely 3 weeks old, I have taken her out t. Not always the same playgroup, not always the same place, not always the same people, but always out for an activity that has centered on her. For the first 4 months or so we participated in group classes as Isis Parenting, they were great and I highly recommend them to others. The instructors are well educated in child development and each is geared towards a specific age group. The facilities at Isis are fantastic. I will be honest though, I didn't feel super comfortable because I didn't feel that any of those moms were like me, and we went anyway, and will at some point take part in other classes they have. You know why? Because it isn't about me, not one bit, it's about my daughter and exposing her to the very best that we can.

This month we have started going out even more because with Coraline's maturity comes a new interest in playdates and playgroups. We found a drop in playgroup at a toy store in our area and we have really been enjoying it. Because it is a drop in group, we don't feel obligated to go every week and the faces are usually changing. It's nice to get together with a group leader for songs and music time. Coraline has very much been enjoying it. I admit, some days I would rather not leave my house but I push myself beyond my normal comforts for my daughter.

We have also been going on more playdates with friends. Weekly we will get together and visit a park with a friend. Coraline doesn't always play with the other children, but just being there watching children play, is great fun.

I guess I am babbling but the point is that I think socialization has really allowed my daughter to blossom. Strangers and friends alike are amazed that at 8 months old, Cora can wave "hello" to people. She is friendly, outgoing, cheerful and kind, at least in some small way because of her exposure to the people and the world around her.

There are always things to do, in every area, for every age child. Taking your child out to groups and playdates, parks, museums, and playgrounds will give invaluable lessons later in life. I can genuinely see the effect her socialization has had on her. Not to mention the great effects it can have for you as a mother, especially if you are stay at home. It can quickly become lonely and isolating all day in the house with a baby. Take a load off and find a good playgroup, for one hour a week you will not be your child's sole entertainment! Bonus: Baby will sleep for an hour after playgroup.

Comments

[IdaMae]

I couldn't agree more! Good post!

Now we need to plan OUR next playdate!