At what age do parents start to socialize their children in earnest?
Oh, my! What do you mean by "in earnest?"
My year-old great grandson has been around his relatives and family friends since he was born. He has so many of them that he's never had a baby sitter who was not known to him.
On the other hand, many parents have to put their baby into day care when they are only a few weeks old.
He'll probably go to preschool when he's about 3 or 4.
My options are (sorry for not including first time)
A.) the first year when babies can interact socially
B.) the second year when toddlers are first able to comply with parental direction
C.) the preschool years when children start formal schooling
D.) early adolescence when peer pressure is strongest
I have no idea. What does your book say?
I would say option A as babies begin to listen and connect to their parents at a very young age; children begin to listen and respond as to show gestures during their first year of development.
The age at which parents start to socialize their children in earnest can vary depending on various factors, including cultural norms, individual parenting styles, and the child's developmental stage. Generally, parents begin to actively socialize their children from infancy onwards.
During the first year of life, parents typically focus on building a secure attachment with their child through nurturing activities such as eye contact, touch, and responsive caregiving. This lays the foundation for healthy social development.
Between 1 and 3 years old, children start to engage in parallel play, where they play alongside other children without actively interacting with them. Parents can support socialization during this stage by arranging playdates, attending parent-child playgroups, and providing opportunities for their children to observe and imitate social behaviors.
Between 3 and 6 years old, children typically begin interacting more actively with their peers and develop basic social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperating. Parents can foster socialization during this stage by encouraging positive social interactions, modeling appropriate behavior, and providing guidance on navigating conflicts.
From 6 years old onwards, children's social circle expands as they enter school and engage with a larger peer group. Parents can continue to support their socialization by encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, fostering friendships, and teaching important social skills like empathy, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
It's important to note that socialization is an ongoing process throughout childhood and adolescence, and parents' role evolves as their children grow. A supportive and nurturing environment, combined with age-appropriate opportunities for social experiences, helps children develop strong social skills and navigate the complexities of social interactions.