As your child approaches school age, you may wonder if they’re socially ready for this new adventure. At Boise Speech and Hearing Clinic, we often hear parents’ concerns about their children’s social skills. Today, we’re going to explore two crucial aspects of social development: parallel play and joint attention. Understanding these concepts can help you gauge your child’s readiness and support their growth.
What is Parallel Play?
Parallel play is a stage of development where children play alongside each other but don’t necessarily interact. This typically occurs between ages 2 and 3. While it might not look like “social” play to adults, it’s an important stepping stone in your child’s social development.
Signs of Parallel Play:
- Your child plays near other children but doesn’t actively engage with them
- They may be aware of others but focus on their own activity
- There’s little to no attempt to influence the play of others nearby
Parallel play helps children become comfortable in social settings and learn by observing others. It’s a precursor to more interactive forms of play.
What is Joint Attention?
Joint attention is the shared focus of two individuals on an object or event. This skill typically develops between 9 and 18 months of age and continues to refine as children grow. It’s a fundamental building block for social interaction and language development.
Signs of Joint Attention:
- Your child points to objects of interest
- They follow your gaze or pointing gesture
- Your child attempts to draw your attention to something they find interesting
- They engage in back-and-forth communication about a shared focus
Joint attention is crucial for learning language, understanding social cues, and developing more complex social skills.
Why These Skills Matter for School Readiness
As your child prepares for school, both parallel play and joint attention play vital roles:
- Social Comfort: Parallel play helps children feel at ease around peers, setting the stage for classroom comfort.
- Observation Skills: Through parallel play, children learn by watching others, a crucial skill in classroom settings.
- Attention Sharing: Joint attention is essential for following teacher instructions and engaging in group activities.
- Communication: Joint attention supports language development, vital for expressing needs and understanding lessons.
- Peer Interactions: As children move from parallel play to more interactive play, they develop skills for forming friendships.
How to Support Your Child’s Social Skills Development
- Encourage Playdates: Provide opportunities for your child to be around peers, even if they’re not directly interacting yet.
- Model Joint Attention: Point out interesting objects or events to your child and encourage them to do the same.
- Narrate Play: Describe what your child and their peers are doing during parallel play to help them become aware of others.
- Follow Their Lead: When your child shows interest in something, engage with them about it to practice joint attention.
- Group Activities: Enroll your child in group activities like storytime at the library or playground visits to practice social skills.
- Be Patient: Remember, every child develops at their own pace. Celebrate small progress steps.
When to Seek Professional Help
While children develop at different rates, there are some signs that might indicate a need for professional assessment:
- Difficulty engaging in any form of play with or near other children by age 4
- No attempts to gain your attention or share experiences by age 2
- Inability to follow pointing or show objects of interest by 18 months
If you’re concerned about your child’s social skill development, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Boise Speech and Hearing Clinic. Our team of experts can assess your child’s development and provide guidance or intervention if needed.
Conclusion
Understanding parallel play and joint attention can help you support your child’s social development as they prepare for school. Remember, each child’s journey is unique. By providing opportunities for social interaction and practicing these skills at home, you’re setting a strong foundation for your child’s future social and academic success.
Take the first step in supporting your child’s social development today. Call us at (208) 793-7006 to schedule an evaluation or visit our website at www.boiseshc.com to learn more about how Boise Speech and Hearing Clinic can support your child’s growth and school readiness!
