Socializing Your Little One

Babies are very social beings. It’s never too early to begin socializing your baby with other babies similar in age. Babies are fascinated by each other and will often reach out and try to touch one another, which is an indicator that they do enjoy and benefit from early socialization. Parents need to get out too, to build their social networks and support systems. I started a neighborhood playgroup, which proved to be invaluable. Many of my neighbors serve as surrogate aunties and uncles who come in handy when I need babysitting.  Baby and Me or gym classes are a good place to start. Attending a playgroup or high-quality child-care program are also wonderful ways for your child to interact with other children and a great way to learn about the world in which they live.

Parents need contact or hangout time with other parents who have similar-aged children. It’s no fun to parent in a vacuum, so make a point of striking up new relationships with moms who have kidlings similar in age to yours. Making friends can be easy. You can start a conversation with another parent in the market, at the park, or in your child’s gym class. If you’re a mom and your husband clearly isn’t going to gab the gab or dish the mommy-talk, you’ll benefit from having a circle of cool and fun mommy friends.

For more great parenting tips, check out Kimberley’s book at www.TheGoToMomsGuide.com.