Helping to develop your child’s social skills will prepare them for life. Good social skills will help them to communicate effectively, allow them to form friendships, boost their confidence and help them to succeed in interviews.
Some children are more naturally socially adept than others. If your child is shy, they may you’re your support in order to build these invaluable skills. Here is some advice from an Independent School in Harpenden on how to help your child develop their social skills…
Be a good role model
When it comes to social skills, it is important that children have a good role model to follow. Be aware of how you talk to others; smile and say hello and always remember your manners. Teach your child to be polite and to offer help to those in need. It is also helpful to show your child how to hold a conversation and stress the importance of listening while others are speaking.
Prepare for conversations
Starting a conversation with someone new can be difficult for children. To help your child feel more confident about speaking to others you could teach them a few simple conversation starters. Compliments and questions are an ideal way to spark a conversation. For example your child could say ‘I like your toy’ or ‘would you like to play?’ in order to make new friends.
Help them to make friends
School playgrounds are often busy and noisy, which can feel overwhelming to children. If your child struggles in this type of environment, then it can be helpful to arrange a play date at home. This will help your child to make friends in a familiar setting, where they feel more relaxed and confident.
Encourage hobbies
Encourage your child to explore their hobbies and interests outside of school. Extra-curricular activities are a great way to boost your child’s self-confidence and develop their social skills. This is because they can explore a new environment and meet new people. Your child will be able to build a valuable support network with children that share the same interests.
Let them solve problems
Try to give your child space to grow as an individual and solve problems alone. Disputes with friends are common at school and learning how to resolve these issues is an important life-skill. In addition, should you make a mistake or have a disagreement with your child, be sure to apologise and discuss your feelings together. This will teach your child how to accept responsibility and how to avoid similar mistakes in the future.