What Is Prosocial Behaviour & When Should You Intervene?
Is your kid always the first one to raise his hand to volunteer for donation camps? Does he have an innate charitable personality? I bet you are extremely proud of him and his generous nature. But, did you know that it is a behavior pattern that has the bearing on your kid’s psychology? It is called prosocial behavior in children, and here we talk more about this behavioral pattern.
What Is Prosocial Behaviour In Child Development?
Prosocial behavior is a voluntary act done for the benefit of other individuals or group of individuals. Prosocial behavior in children can be action-oriented, empathetic or emotion based. But, why is there a need to teach children about it? Well, because every child is unique and has a different temperament. Some are talkative, some others are quiet, and some react to everything while others are oblivious to happenings around them.
Factors That Contribute To Prosocial Behavior In Children:
There are many factors that can contribute to prosocial behavior in children, some of which typically include:
- Routines and Programs
- Physical environment
- Resources
- How adults and children interact with each other is another important factor.
- Whether the children get enough rest
- Their nutrition
- Any other medical conditions affecting the child (1)
[ Read: Common Behavioral Problems In Children ]
When Should You Intervene?
Your children will require your intervention at different stages in their life. Children have an immense capacity to learn and practice their negotiation and problem-solving skills. Many studies conclude that popular media has a negative effect on the children, but if TV and movies can teach your kid anti-social behavior, rest assured it can teach him some positive behavior too.
School And Prosocial Behavior:
At an age of two, your child goes through many behavioral developments. The interaction with adults and their guidance shapes a child’s social understanding. One of the important aspects of a healthy social environment is positive learning. School is one such place where the child has a stable and safe relationship. Teachers have the ability to focus on opportunities and take the kids towards positive interaction. This is about prosocial behavior in early childhood.
For many children, the relationship they have with their teachers is the longest if they are sent to home-care. Prosocial behavior not only helps boost academic success but also helps children spend their time constructively. The approach will benefit the kids when in school and later in life.
[ Read: Different Child Behavior Charts ]
Your Role As A Parent:
- As a parent selecting a school that has engaging, relevant and appropriate curriculum is the most important thing. Parents should also ensure that the children are not forced to share any information that might be embarrassing for them and highlights differences between them and their peer group.
- Parents should develop relations with children that are stable and emotionally predictable.
- Setting or figuring out known rules for a particular behavior.
- Structure time with family to maximize the likelihood of a positive behavior (2).
[ Read: How to Promote Positive Behavior In Children ]
Guiding Social Behavior and Discipline:
- A study on prosocial behavior says that a child displaying untimely behavior at times is quite normal, they are kids after all.
- The motivation for behaving in a certain way comes from within the child.
- A disciplined approach involves parents having power and control over various situations. The want/motivation to behave appropriately arises due to external factors like praise/reward or the fear of punishment.
- The guidance approach is the best way; it is empowering and respectful.
Maintaining a positive environment and relation with children is the easiest way to inculcate prosocial behavior in them. Be consistent with and understanding your child; it will encourage him to behave appropriately. It is about assisting children and making them understand why a certain behavior is not acceptable. Parents must make sure they hear their children and guide them to handle situations by themselves.
If you have any other information on prosocial behaviour in children or want to share an experience related to the same please write to us. Leave your comments below.
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