Children are different, and teaching them social skills, especially those with problems, can be challenging. The ones thought to have a deficit are considered to be aggressive, shy, or socially isolated. The concept is that they need to learn the skills for social development which this post is a guideline to 101 ways to teach children social skills.
The ways outlined in this guide can be put to use by groups like classroom, and counseling groups, and the activities will help any needy child in social development. A complete process of learning will enable the child to relate to his/her peers, parents, and teachers. An individual child can also learn these social skills, but they are best understood within a social environment.
101 Ways to Teach Children Social Skills
The foundation of social skills is mainly based on effective communication, and it consists of various distinct abilities. Activities that help children communicate with others come first because it is through communication that they bond.
1. Communication
Children differ in abilities, and in the same way, they are different academically. However, with teaching, practice, and encouragement, learning some traits can advance their ability to communicate.
First, they need to learn how to understand and express themselves uniquely. When one can express himself/herself by conveying issues and needs, then one increases self-acceptance and also self-esteem.
Once a child can communicate with those around them, then he/she needs to learn other skills to connect with other children. First, they need to know how to introduce themselves and then develop a dialogue that they can maintain in a group.
It is a pity when challenged children are exposed to the wrong tactics to interact with their peers. Bragging or bullying to catch others’ attention is a wrong approach that can lead to rejection in the group. On the other hand, others may choose to observe, and as a result, they end up being ignored.
Criticism is not helpful either as it may lead to inappropriate behaviors. It can lead to self-consciousness and resentment. Teaching children opens them to experience social success even through their adult life. And, the parent or teachers that encourage good communication skills that get them through life differently.
2. Encourage Eye-contact
Anytime your child is talking to you, encourage eye contact to make them comfortable even when talking to others. A straight look into their eyes is a way to build self-confidence, and they need to do it all the time to help them master the skill.
You can use different approaches like games to help in training like a staring contest: You can make them look at their toys and address them, tell them stories or express their disappointment then after some time, practice the same with people.
3. Teach and allow them to be emotional
Emotions are part of everyday life and another way of communication. Teach them to imitate different emotions like joy, anger, excitement, disappointment, mischief, weirdness, tiredness, terror, fear, or nervousness. You can ask them to identify emotions from a game or placard with different smileys.
Slowly, they will be to identify ad differentiate the emotions without confusing other children or people. Also, communicate to them the different feelings, and how to express them. Ensure you make it known to them the kind of emotions that make you happy or sad so that if they misbehave, your reaction will help them understand you are upset. They will also not cross the line by doing the wrong thing to others knowingly.
4. Allow them to communicate
Whether verbal or non-verbal, children should be able to express, interact, and react to social stimuli. First, they should be able to learn appropriate greetings and responses right while keeping eye contact.
Gide, your kid on how to overcome shyness, and give a response with confidence while expressing the right feelings. Also, they should know it is okay to talk freely but respectfully, ask questions, and express their needs and ideas, directing them to the right people. Talk to your children daily, and be a constant example by using the words thank you, let’s, and please generously.
5. Give them the opportunity and environment.
Loneliness can alienate your child from the rest of the world. Interactions are regular for anybody, and no one can escape. Therefore, your child should be able to mingle, live and work with others peacefully.
Give your children good company and exposure to help them interact naturally with all people. Find the 101 ways to teach children social skills so they have no trouble reading expressions and interacting with others.
Encourage activities that openly and comfortably portray these situations to help them handle anything they come across in their life. Taking them to playgrounds can be useful to help them socialize. Mingling with other children or adults will help your child develop interpersonal skills which positively influence their personality. You can try to use a Flintobox to engage them in next-gen activities in different stages.
Conclusion
Prepping your child for higher social skills can help them develop fully and successfully in their life. The 101 ways to teach children social skills encloses many practices, including effective communication, being fearless, and the ability to express themselves.
The traits that you arm your child with will allow them to tackle any complex situation void of fear. Once your child can communicate, then they can pick up other communication channels like negotiation skills, conflict resolution, assertiveness, or bargaining through public speaking.
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