Developing Social Competence in the Preschool Years

Children who lack social competence, necessary for initiating and maintaining satisfying relationships, are at risk of peer rejection, academic failure and later social and emotional problems. This paper surveys the literature and discusses the importance of social skills acquisition for all young children. Factors that can influence the formation of social competence such as parental characteristics, parenting style and discipline; siblings; and quality of preschool care or interventions that enhance social skill development, are discussed.