A new report reveals that 72% of parents are unaware that confidence development begins before the age of 5, Anne-Marie Martin, Founder of diddi dance, is urging parents to take action and help develop their child’s confidence from a young age.
The figures out today show that parents are confused about the age at which their children should begin building up their confidence through socialisation. The Government’s standards set for the early year’s foundation stage state that from birth to the age of 5, a child’s development through socialisation is vital for them to fulfil their potential in later life.
This comes as a new study of 2,000 UK parents, commissioned this month by diddi dance has clarified who parents believe has the responsibility of ensuring their children socialise enough. Worryingly 4 in 10 parents (38%) do not feel it is their responsibility to ensure their child is socialising the appropriate amount, with a third feeling it is down to nurseries, and a quarter believing that pre-school programmes should hold the responsibility.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 4 in 10 parents still underestimate the positive impact that comes from the company of other young children for those under 5.
The importance of children socialising amongst adults seems to have been misjudged, as well, as 65% do not feel that this time spent with adults is as important as the amount of time their child socialises with other children, despite 43% acknowledging that children socialising with adults is important to their mental development. Fathers in particular are less aware of the positive impact that children socialising with adults can have with only 28% of fathers believed this to be the case, compared to 43% of mothers.
Anne-Marie Martin, is urging parents to take action against this misconception and encourage socialisation of children much earlier. Commenting on the findings Anne-Marie said “One of the key points of Ofsted’s readiness for schools provision for the under 5s is socialisation. It is key to gaining an understanding of key concepts such as personal space, sharing and empathising with others which will help make starting school a smoother transition.
She continued “Finding an interactive session which socialises children with other children is extremely important and if they really enjoy the session, they will immediately feel comfortable and warm to the environment a lot quicker. diddi dance combines lots of fun with physical activity and is a great way for little ones to interact with other children, boosting their confidence and preparing them for school where they will be faced with an unfamiliar environment away from their parents.”
diddi dance classes can be enjoyed by both boys and girls from the age of 18 months to 5 across the UK. With a new dance style every half term from ballroom to hip-hop through to jive and Bollywood every child’s taste is catered for and with fun props to use too children leave the 45 minute classes full of energy and excited for the next week. Designed to keep children active, increase their confidence and enhance their co-ordination and rhythm diddi dance is fast becoming a household name.
To book a FREE trial today contact your local diddi dance or to sign up to a class visit our booking page.
