|
It's the question that many parents seek answers to. How do I encourage my child's social growth? In a world where social skills can mean the difference between those who succeed and those who merely hang behind the lines, it is important for parents to be aware of their child's level of social activity and just how well they interact with other people, older or younger.
Does your child cower in the presence of other children? Are they too afraid to speak up? These are issues that can be identified at the very earliest of stages. You may even begin to see certain tendencies in a child's behavior from infancy and there are things that you can do to help them along in the social arena.
Children today face even bigger challenges than past generations. With the advent of the computer era and the apparent need to hone those "cyber skills" it can be difficult to brush up on one's social adeptness. Children are simply not given the opportunity to participate in adequate social situations like previous generations were.
So what can you do? There is a plethora of ways to promote social activity in your child. Here are a few:
JOIN A GROUP
Check out your local paper for groups that are appropriate for your child's age. There are all sorts of groups available for kids today. Just this once, bypass the classes that try to enhance your kids intellect and opt for the ones that require a whole lot of human interaction. Computer classes and art classes are great, but try to even them out with a group sport or other collective experience.
START YOUNG
Remember that social development begins at the earliest of ages. Take your baby or toddler along to a playgroup or Mommy and Me class where there are sure to be other children of the same age.
TRY TO LET THEM WORK THINGS OUT
Too often parents are eager to jump in and solve all their kids problems. Remember that they need the opportunity to learn how to do this for themselves. Most of the time when kids get into some sort of battle they are able to resolve it independently. Of course, you should always be aware of what is going on in their life, but do so with caution. Allow as much opportunity as possible for them to think it through and interact with all parties themselves. This is also true for babies, not just older children. Watch as they try to solve a battle over a toy, step in when it seems out of control but otherwise see if they can't work it out.
LET THEM ASK YOU FOR HELP
From the youngest of ages you should encourage your child to develop the ability to ask for help. If they are unable to solve a situation, don't just jump in there. First, give them the opportunity to work it out and if they are unable to, then give them an opportunity to ask you for assistance. If you do sense that their frustration level is rising, then by all means step in, but do it with the words, "Do you need me to help?" Let them know that it is OK to ask someone for assistance if they are unable to do it themselves. When they are out in the world later in life, maybe it won't be so intimidating or humiliating to ask someone else for help.
TRY TO LIMIT THE SHAME THEY FEEL
Often the taunting an adult shows toward a child is completely in good nature, but that is not always the way that it is received. Every child is different so they may perceive things in a different way however you should be clued in to their tolerance of such jibes. Everything in a child's world is important to them. Consider their daily pre-school/school day right up there on par with your working day. Take them seriously and let them feel proud of each and every accomplishment. A child's day warrants just as much conversation and analysis as yours.
TALK SOME MORE
Ever wonder what to do in traffic? It's the perfect opportunity to talk to your kids. Don't reach for the radio dial, turn it off! Ask some questions. It doesn't matter if there is no response from your infant/toddler or a minimal one from your teenager. The point is that you are making an effort and despite other indications, it will be appreciated and it will show your kids that open communication is acceptable.
ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS
Never assume that since your kids don't seem to have anything to say that there isn't something worth while to ask about. It may be that they feel a little intimidated in sharing there information with others. If you are upfront about the importance of their contribution to the world they may just start to believe it.
| 
