By
Dr. Julie Coultas
This is a question that is often asked by concerned parents. Learning how to behave in a socially acceptable way is first encouraged in the home. If your child is playing with other children at home then make sure that there are enough popular toys available so that all children can be involved. I have watched many young children play with Vtech's Smartville alphabet railway at the Baby Show. This toy has many interactive animal figures with which the children can become involved and play cooperatively together. Parents need to emphasise the need to share toys even if the child is initially unwilling to give up an interesting toy. Children need to be helped to become socially aware by adults and older peers.