When considering healthy development, often the first categories that come to mind are physical growth, cognitive understanding and emotional well-being. While it may not be considered first, another critical aspect of healthy development is social connection.

All humans need connection in some form. This is why so many turned to technology friendships during the COVID-19 pandemic when physical connection was severed. Social connection brings a sense of worth, belonging and overall enjoyment to life.

When teaching about emotional development, social connection is often grouped in as it directly affects our emotional well-being. This is true for all stages of life, from childhood to adulthood. Often, when thinking about playing with friends, we consider it a child’s activity. However, fostering a healthy social life is also imperative as an adult.

Having positive social connections is considered to be one of the most important factors in healthy and protective parenting, according to the Five Protective Factors for Strengthening Families.

United Way’s Welcome Baby of Utah County program holds playgroups with this specifically in mind. These playgroups invite children to play and learn while allowing parents to create friendships with each other and fostering a sense of belonging and shared community.

Making social connections a priority for parents ensures it is a priority for their children, especially as children learn best through example. All4Kids lists these suggestions for parents to aid in their child’s social development:

• Set up playdates or attend playgroups.
• Be curious about their social life — ask about their friends and be encouraging of those friendships.
• Model positive social behaviors — kindness, sharing, respect, empathy. Understanding of these behaviors takes time; be patient with that process and continue modeling.

Each category of healthy development is important. Making social development a priority for parents and children helps lower stress levels and encourages a positive and happy life.

United Way of Utah County is on a mission to help promote literacy and healthy child development. EveryDay Learners has several programs such as HelpMeGrow Utah, Welcome Baby and South Franklin Community Center to support these efforts. Visit us at unitedwayuc.org to learn more about these programs or find any of them on our Instagram pages.

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