Young children begin the lifetime process of becoming social beings. During the childhood years, kids develop significant social competencies and behavioral characteristics. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's social behavior. Pre-school children are at a developmental stage characterized by ego-centrism. That is to say, children at this age are focused on their own needs and wants. They lack the capacity to be aware of others' emotions. Between the ages of two and five, children begin to take into account the behaviors and emotions of their peers. They engage in play with other children of similar age. Parents and age appropriate peers model behavior, which children observe and imitate. Although childhood friendships between the ages of two and five are usually not long lasting and relationships founded in convenience and proximity, they are important in healthy social development. Parents can help facilitate this development.

• Provide your child with opportunities for play with similar age peers. Form a playgroup. Provide a structured environment for mutual play.
• Observe your child at play with others. Peer aggression is common among pre-school children as they vie for the same play object. Allow the children to resolve conflict unless their physical or emotional safety is at risk.
• Reinforce positive social behavior with praise.
• Model appropriate social behavior when at play with your pre-school child.
• Raise your child's awareness of others' needs and emotions through direct but gentle communication.
• Encourage sharing

Some children may exhibit early signs of pronounced shyness or aggression. Such early behavioral characteristics may give evidence of a genetic predisposition, which we refer to as a temperamental trait. Children with a temperamental trait of shyness are more stressed in new social situations. They tend to avoid interpersonal interaction. These children are less likely to actively engage in extracurricular activities.

Their counterparts, children with a temperamental trait of aggression, tend to be far more physical. These children sometimes exhibit acts of hostile aggression, that is, exhibiting behavior intended to hurt another. Aggressive children often misperceive the behaviors of their peers.

Children demonstrating temperamental behavioral traits of shyness or aggression may need more parental role-modeling, positive reinforcement and patience than other children. If you are concerned about such traits in your child, consult your pediatrician.

School age children from five to the onset of puberty develop social relationships with peers that are characterized by emotional trust, similar interests and mutual support. These friendships tend to be endure for longer periods of time than those of pre-school children. School age children develop the ability for self-disclosure and empathetic communication. Facilitating the following traits in your school age child will enhance healthy social development and mitigate their vulnerability to loneliness.

• A sensitivity to the needs and emotions of others
• An ability to respond positively to the needs of others
• An ability to be cooperative with others
• Trustworthiness
• Communicative
• Assertive but non-aggressive

There are certain conditions that can affect a school age child's normal social development. Chief among them is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).