Here’s the scoop on the most important social skills for kids plus how to practice them, according to child psychologist Dr. Bethany Cook.
1. Basic Manners (AKA Baseline Respect)
Why It Matters
This one doesn’t represent a single social skill, but rather a group of behaviors that range from traditional ‘good manners’ (i.e., please and thank you) to social habits that guide healthy peer interactions, like sharing and taking turns. Parents probably don’t need to be told why these skills are important—we’ve already dubbed some of them as magic words—but just in case: “A child who has these basic skills will be able to successfully interact with others in social settings (as well as virtual interactions) in positive ways, with the end goal of getting their needs met in a socially acceptable manner,” says Dr. Cook. Translation? A polite kid is a win-win for everybody.
How to Practice
When it comes to imparting polite behavior to your kid, it’s no surprise that Dr. Cook suggests parents pay careful attention to the way they interact with adults and young people alike. “When it comes to teaching our children about turn-taking, sharing and following directions, they learn the most from what they see us do. How do you speak to your spouse, friends and strangers?” In other words, kids are excellent mimics (but you knew that one already, right?). So the next time your child shouts for a second helping at dinnertime, don’t bark back, “OK, give me your bowl!” because although the frustration is fair, said child is likely to start imitating your brusk demeanor. Instead, try something like, “Can you please ask nicely for another portion? Thank you.”
2. Eye Contact
Why It Matters
The concept is basic but it can be a hard habit to acquire, even for adults. In practice, eye contact is a valuable way of showing respect for others, and it’s also a confidence-builder. Per Dr. Cook, “Looking at someone when speaking not only establishes an element of trust and validity, but it also allows the speaker and the listener to read all the subtle non-verbal facial expressions, which convey much more meaning than words.” Bottom line: When it comes to teaching kids how to form authentic connections with peers, eye contact is key.
How to Practice
So how do you encourage this important, but oft-neglected behavior? According to Dr. Cook, you should just embrace the initial awkwardness and make it fun. “If you or your child are uncomfortable with sustained eye contact, start out by making it a game by having a staring contest.” This strategy won’t work for every individual though, so if your kid is still a touch too shy to participate in a staring contest, Cook says your best bet is to simply “get down on their level and kindly remind them why it's important.” Hint: The ‘getting down on their level’ part is particularly crucial because it encourages—you guessed it—eye contact.
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Why It Matters
This one doesn’t represent a single social skill, but rather a group of behaviors that range from traditional ‘good manners’ (i.e., please and thank you) to social habits that guide healthy peer interactions, like sharing and taking turns. Parents probably don’t need to be told why these skills are important—we’ve already dubbed some of them as magic words—but just in case: “A child who has these basic skills will be able to successfully interact with others in social settings (as well as virtual interactions) in positive ways, with the end goal of getting their needs met in a socially acceptable manner,” says Dr. Cook. Translation? A polite kid is a win-win for everybody.
How to Practice
When it comes to imparting polite behavior to your kid, it’s no surprise that Dr. Cook suggests parents pay careful attention to the way they interact with adults and young people alike. “When it comes to teaching our children about turn-taking, sharing and following directions, they learn the most from what they see us do. How do you speak to your spouse, friends and strangers?” In other words, kids are excellent mimics (but you knew that one already, right?). So the next time your child shouts for a second helping at dinnertime, don’t bark back, “OK, give me your bowl!” because although the frustration is fair, said child is likely to start imitating your brusk demeanor. Instead, try something like, “Can you please ask nicely for another portion? Thank you.”
2. Eye Contact
Why It Matters
The concept is basic but it can be a hard habit to acquire, even for adults. In practice, eye contact is a valuable way of showing respect for others, and it’s also a confidence-builder. Per Dr. Cook, “Looking at someone when speaking not only establishes an element of trust and validity, but it also allows the speaker and the listener to read all the subtle non-verbal facial expressions, which convey much more meaning than words.” Bottom line: When it comes to teaching kids how to form authentic connections with peers, eye contact is key.
How to Practice
So how do you encourage this important, but oft-neglected behavior? According to Dr. Cook, you should just embrace the initial awkwardness and make it fun. “If you or your child are uncomfortable with sustained eye contact, start out by making it a game by having a staring contest.” This strategy won’t work for every individual though, so if your kid is still a touch too shy to participate in a staring contest, Cook says your best bet is to simply “get down on their level and kindly remind them why it's important.” Hint: The ‘getting down on their level’ part is particularly crucial because it encourages—you guessed it—eye contact.
Read More...
