Socialization for your toddlers and preschoolers

Socialization. If you have children, you’ve probably heard this word a lot. As everyone will tell you, whether they have children or not, socializing your youngsters is very important. And they’re right. It is important for children to be around other children. But how do you do it? Where do you go? Actually, there are opportunities all around you, you just have to know where to look.

A great place to be around other children is the library. Most libraries have entire departments devoted to children and they also hold weekly story hours for youngsters. Some libraries actually have more than one story time, depending on the age of the child. For example, there might be a story time for toddlers and one for preschoolers. There also might be one for entire families. Call your local library, find them on the internet or just stop in to pick up a schedule.

Playgrounds are one of the best places to find other children and their parents. Check with your local parks and recreation department or look them up on the internet for a listing of area playgrounds and parks. These are usually a big draw for kids because most of them love to run and jump and play. And what better place to do that than a fully equipped playground? These are also great places for you or your children to strike up conversations and even perhaps friendships.

Additionally, since children love to run and play so much, many fast food chains are incorporating separate play areas into their restaurants. So, you can go to Burger King, McDonalds or Chick-fil-a, to name just a few, and you can sit and relax—well, as much as you can relax with a dozen or more screaming kids running around—and let your children have fun as they climb the tubes and slither down the slide. And, since these play areas are separated from the rest of the restaurant, you don’t have to worry about your kids bothering the other patrons or ‘getting out.’ Chuck-e-Cheese and The Discovery Zone are two other locales with lots to do and a bunch of kids.

Youth sports are another great arena for getting your little one around other children. Most sports activities begin accepting children at age four, so maybe your little one would like to play soccer or t-ball. He could learn discipline, sportsmanship and teamwork while having fun with other boys and girls.

Organized groups specifically geared towards mothers and children are also very helpful. MOMS is a national organization for mothers and their young children. There is a nominal annual fee—dues—to belong and it’s a lot of fun. Most MOMS groups have weekly or even biweekly activities—anything from trips to the zoo to play dates at the playground to holiday parties—and they will also set you up in an age-appropriate playgroup, if you’re interested. The playgroups are divided by birth year, for example children born in 1997, 1998 and so on. They usually meet at least once a week at playgrounds, members homes and various places and they’re a great place to meet other moms and for your children to make some great friends. Another wonderful organization is MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). Though non-denominational, they are a Christian-based group and usually meet at various churches throughout each city. Their meetings are biweekly and include lectures, discussion groups and crafts for the mothers and quality daycare and activities for the children, the MOPPETS. The cost is $5.00 per meeting. FEMALE (Formerly Employed Mothers at the Leading Edge) is another groups similar to MOMS, with the majority of the members being former career women. Information pertaining to all of these groups can be found on the internet and some of them may have listings in your local phone book.

These are just a few ideas on how to socialize your youngster. Obviously, there are many others. But this is a good start. You and your children will both have fun spending quality time together and you just might make some great new friends!