The development of a child's social and emotional skills is key. It is said that we construct our social and emotional understanding via cues from our parents. This understanding could be further honed during the years in preschool and Kindergarten.
One of the biggest social adjustments children make when entering preschool is getting along with several different personalities. Building and maintaining friendships can be a difficult road to navigate. Although children will make and change friendships over the course of the year, they will also experience having very close relationships (otherwise known as best friendships). Now, as we all know, relationships can go through some rough times or even "breakups". Preschoolers may also experience a version of this.
What this may look like comes across in conflicts and disagreements resulting in phrases such as, "I'm not your friend!"; "You can't come to my house!"; and "You can't come to my birthday party!" being expressed. Sometimes the relationships can take a turn where it becomes one of fixation; and conflicts can become intimidating to some. Along with these situations comes a host of emotions children may be experiencing for the first time: jealousy, possessiveness, and/or loneliness.
This is why it is prevalent for teachers (as well as parents) to be armed with resources to address social issues and emotions that may crop up while in preschool. Giving voice to these feelings and providing your child with the label for those emotions is the first step. Using storybooks is another way to bring about discussion on the topic. Take for instance, Hurty Feelings by Helen Lester. This story centers on a main character by the name of Fragility. Fragility lives up to her name because she is quite a fragile soul. Every comment that is said to her, hurts her feelings. Check it out and follow Fragility's journey to standing up for herself.
Make a point to check out these other books that focus on emotions and/or dealing with things that does not go your way. Your local Newark Library branch may have other appropriate titles.
If you think your child or family may benefit from some counseling for any number of reasons, click here to find some Newark therapists.
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