Learning to speak respectfully

The ability to live in harmony with others is key to social integration and wellbeing. The Educational Childcare Act requires child care services to offer an educational program that progressively brings children to adapt to community life and helps them integrate it smoothly.

At the toddler stage, children are self-centred. They slowly learn to make contact with others and consider their points of view.

Supporting social development

Integrating children in a social setting allows them to build peaceful relationships with other children and the adults in their lives. Children are invited to take their place—without taking all the place—in a group or in the family.

Language development helps children express their needs with more ease. Language is key to establishing positive relationships.

Reading illustrated books about friendship, conflicts or cooperation to young children is an opportunity to discuss topics related to their social development with them.

One way to prevent bullying from early childhood is to support the development of social skills. It is important for people to be able to express their discontent when they are the target of derogatory remarks, share their point of view respectfully and act to help others resolve conflicts.

When adults are vigilant with cases of rejection, mockery and discrimination between children, it allows them to react quickly and teach them positive social behaviours.

Being a role model

Parents and educators are role models to children. Expressing themselves respectfully and being open to differences is key to instilling these fundamental values in young children.

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