Thankful Tuesdays: Give them time to grow

Junior J. Always chatty with us, but so different with others.

When Junior J was younger, we used to worry about his social development. The boy didn't really like to go out, and showed a preference to books over playing with friends. He would freeze if strangers tried to talk to him. We tried to arrange playdates, prod him to speak to this or that uncle or auntie, but it was slow going. He also struggled with transitions: going out was a challenge because it took him half an hour of cajoling before he would accept the idea. He would hide in his room for ten minutes or so, before saying hi to his friends when they came over for playdates.

Fast forward to now, and we've been seeing a different him. He now plays with other kids at the playground. He readily approaches adults whom he is familiar with, to say hello and give hugs. Just the past weekend, we arranged to meet his penpal for some water play, and he got along pretty well with her from the start. If this was a year ago, he would have probably ignored her for the first 20 minutes or so!

He still clams up if he meets adults that he is not familiar with. However, I think its natural, and am just relieved that he is opening up socially. Perhaps it might have been his brother's arrival that has taught him to play more with others. Whatever the case, I've learnt that these social skills are also milestones. Milestones that they achieve in due time. While they would need plenty of encouragement and opportunities to interact with others, I think its important that we also give them the room to develop these skills. Some kids might be extroverts and have no problems, for the introverts, hold their hand, be positive, and give them time.

So this week, I am thankful that I am able to see this little boy "blossom" across the year, and I am glad that I can be part of this journey with him. What about you? Does your child also encounter social challenges? What are you thankful for in this journey of growth?

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