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First Friends and Confident Beginnings at Nursery Days in Upchurch

Writer: Nursery Days
Nursery Days
13 minutes ago
3 min read

Practical ways to support your child’s social development this September

Starting or returning to nursery in September can bring a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Children may be looking forward to new toys, activities and adventures, but they may also wonder who they will play with and what will happen during the day.


At Nursery Days in Upchurch, children are given time and encouragement to develop relationships at their own pace. Social development is woven into the ordinary rhythm of nursery life, from settling in at the start of the day to sharing stories, exploring role play and working together on activities.


Friendship starts with feeling safe

A child who feels secure is more likely to look up, smile, communicate and explore. This is why emotional security is such an important foundation for social confidence. Familiar routines and trusted adults help children understand what to expect, while warm and responsive interactions show them that their feelings matter.

Some children will quickly approach others, whereas others may need more time to watch from the edge of a group. Rather than comparing children, it is helpful to recognise that confidence can look different from one child to another. Quiet observation is often part of the process of joining in.


Tips for supporting turn-taking at home

Turn-taking is a skill that develops gradually. Children need repeated opportunities to practise it in ways that feel fun rather than demanding.

  1. Choose simple activities. Board games designed for young children, posting games and construction play can all encourage waiting and sharing.

  2. Keep turns brief. A long wait can be frustrating, so begin with activities where each person has a quick opportunity to participate.

  3. Talk through what is happening. Say, ‘I am having a turn now, and you will have the next turn.’ This helps make the sequence clear.

  4. Offer reassurance when feelings become big. Acknowledge the emotion: ‘You wanted another turn. It is hard to wait.’ Then calmly repeat what will happen next.

  5. Model good sportsmanship. Let your child see you celebrate their turn, accept a wait and respond kindly when a game does not go your way.


Supporting children during disagreements

Disagreements are a normal part of learning to play with others. Children may both want the same toy, struggle to explain what they mean or become upset when a game changes direction. These moments are opportunities to teach social problem-solving.

Try helping your child put their feelings into words: ‘You were using the train and now someone else has picked it up.’ You can then explore possible solutions together, such as finding another train, agreeing to swap or using a timer. The aim is not to prevent every disagreement, but to help children learn that problems can be managed.


How nursery encourages connection

Nursery provides a rich social environment in which children can practise these skills repeatedly. Small-group activities allow children to listen to one another, follow simple instructions and contribute their ideas. Shared imaginative play can also help children develop language, cooperation and an understanding of different points of view.

Practitioners can support friendships by introducing children with similar interests, modelling phrases such as ‘Can I join in?’ and helping children recognise when someone else needs support. They can also provide a quiet space or calm moment when a child needs to pause before trying again.

Families and nursery can work together by sharing information about what helps a child settle, what interests them and which social situations they find challenging. Consistent language between home and nursery can make new skills easier to understand.


Small steps make a difference

Your child does not need to come home with a best friend immediately. Playing beside another child, offering a toy, joining a song or responding to a greeting are all valuable steps. With time, patience and positive support, these small interactions can grow into meaningful friendships.

At Nursery Days in Upchurch, September is an opportunity to help every child feel welcomed, understood and ready to take their next step towards confident social play.


About Us:

We are vastly experienced and knowledgeable after years of early years practice as a team. We know that choosing a nursery is a big decision and understand what is important to parents and children. We are aware of the demands and pressures parents have in their lives and so offer many different flexible sessions to suit our individual parents needs. From funded or self funding places to vouchers from work, we will always try to work out what will work best with you.


Visit Our Website at: www.nurserydays-upchurch.co.uk 




 
 
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