Probably one of the most enjoyable parts of raising cats is the socialization of the kittens. Introducing them to people will have a huge impact on their lives. Even if they are barn cats and never leave the farm where they were born. If you are friendly and relaxed with other people, you will help improve the overall quality of their lives. It will make it easier for them to find new homes when it is time for them to move. It will also make owning a home more enjoyable for the owners.
Socializing is not only fun, but it's also very important. Before a kitten is ready to leave home, she should have learned that it's good to have people around. Petting, playing and good food come with people. Purring, not hissing, brings these good things in their own way. Fortunately, cats are intelligent and observant creatures. It's really quite easy to instill this attitude in a kitten. It just takes a little patience and perseverance on your part.
The socialization process can begin before a kitten has even opened her eyes. Pick her up and pet her gently for a few moments, then put her back where she was. Your movements should be slow and gentle and your voice soft. Handle the kittens daily if you can. The mother will usually give your attention to her kittens, especially if you give her petting and attention first. If she doesn't like your interest in her kittens, or if she has hidden her litter somewhere so you can't find them right away, don't worry. You can start the socialization process later when they are a little more independent and still doing very well.
As the kittens grow and begin to move on their own, continue to pick them up regularly and pet them. Playing with them can also start now. Slowly dragging a string will get the attention of all the kittens. Continue these sessions daily. You really don't have to make a big deal out of it. Check on the kittens at odd times of the day, whenever you have a moment. Make sure every kitten in the litter gets attention.
Presenting the kittens to other people, either children and/or adults is a wonderful idea. Enlarge their knowledge of people other than you, the own owner. Remind children that kittens are just babies and should be handled very gently. Always supervise children around pets until they know how to handle them properly.
By the time kittens are old enough to go to their new home, they should be relaxed and happy around people. Purring happily when petted and reasonably patient when picked up. If the kittens are to be indoor cats, they should be introduced to litter boxes and scratching posts or trees.