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Social Competence And Behaviors Of Young Children Essay

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Social Competence Social competence contains many characteristics that an individual may learn to possess at different times in their development. A few examples could include: problem-centered coping, self-control, delay of gratification, moral self-regulation, empathy, perspective taking, altruistic behavior, and communicating with peers. While these characteristics develop during different stages and different times for each child, an observed session of kindergartners supplies evidence that perspective taking and altruistic behavior may be less mature in young children than behaviors of delayed gratification and communication with peers. However, it is important for adults to realize that children are in a developmental stage and some expectations for an adolescent may not be able to apply to a child. By learning of social competence and analyzing the behaviors of young children, an adult can realize that, in order for a child to achieve characteristics of social competence, it is vital to use patience, look for progress, and to be an example for the child.
Summary of Social Competence (2-3 pages) Social competence, or “the ability to achieve personal goals in social interaction while simultaneously maintaining positive relationships with others over time and across situations” (Rubin & Rose-Krasnor, 1992, p. 285), is exhibited in adolescents through various ways. For example, problem-centered coping is one characteristic of social competence and is illustrated when an

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