Plenty of kids are naturally joyful. As they explore their world, they can smile at anything. Of course, they base their ability to smile and laugh on their development. As they age, their reasons for doing this can vary.
Of course, it brings joy to parents when their kids smile. This gesture often indicates that they are happy. And parents only want their kids to be satisfied.
Children often begin smiling as early as two months old from their initial social interactions. Smiling at this stage is important in a child’s overall development.
But, of course, this does not happen to every child. Some kids might not smile as much as others. This might cause alarm in some parents.
Parents Should Not Worry
The absence of smiling might cause parents to worry. This lack of smiling might be associated with developmental delays. A lack of smiling, or any facial expression, is one of the signs of autism spectrum disorder.
If parents suspect this might be the case, they can always consult with professionals. But generally, parents should not be worried. Kids develop their ability to smile in their own time.
Experts also attribute personality differences to a lack of smiling. Other kids might be more open and playful than others. Some might not like smiling that much. All these can affect how much a child will smile.
Should Kids Smile More?
Smiling might seem like a normal response to positive stimuli. But it is much more than just a response. Yes, people might respond to things by smiling. But it also works the other way around. Experts found that the physical act of smiling induces positive emotions.
Also, smiling more can help people deal with stress better. Too much stress can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. With that, people should take steps toward relieving it. You can do that by smiling.
Smiling is ultimately helpful to your emotional wellness. Kids who do not smile might not experience the benefits of smiling. This is why parents should help their kids find their smiles.
How To Help Them Find Their Smile
Of course, to know what makes them smile, parents should know why their kids don’t smile as much. This can lead them to plenty of conclusions. And each one can be as challenging to address as the other.
Confidence
Some kids might not be confident enough to smile. This issue can have deeper roots. A child can become conscious about their individuality as early as six years old. They become aware of their appearance.
Some kids might not smile as much because they do not like how it looks. Even children can be conscious of how their teeth look. Of course, orthodontic specialists can always help with this matter. Kids might smile more if they are confident about their appearance.
Confidence in children can also come from their abilities. Kids can become more confident when they feel like they are competent in doing things on their own. This is why parents should help their kids develop life skills and allow them to demonstrate them.
Stress
Kids can also be stressed. There are many stressors that children face every day. Some kids might be struggling with their schoolwork. Others might face the challenge of finding the right friends.
Some kids go through difficult situations like the separation of their parents. Others might experience neglect and abuse. This will never be an easy burden to bear. Parents and guardians should ensure that they take care of the kids under their supervision.
They should ensure that their kids are in a safe environment. Also, they should learn how to look out for their kids’ mental and physical well-being. Children are highly dependent on their primary caregivers. The caregivers are responsible for ensuring that their children’s overall development and well-being are secure.
Shyness
Kids who smile less might also be shy. This is an intrinsic characteristic and should not be viewed negatively by parents who want their kids to smile more. It’s okay to be nervous.
Shy children do smile. Maybe they smile around the people with whom they are most comfortable. And that is entirely okay. Parents should only focus on what makes their kids happy.
Smiling is beneficial for everyone. But it can be most helpful for children still exploring their world. Smiling is often associated with friendliness. Of course, this helps them create meaningful relationships with the people around them. So much good can come from the simple act of smiling. And the world is undoubtedly better when everyone smiles more.
