Kids with great social skills do better in life. They are more likely to do well in school and at their jobs and have better interpersonal relationships. You can begin teaching your child the following eight social skills now to help them throughout their life.
1. Cooperation
All children and adults need to know how to cooperate and collaborate with others. Most school and job settings require groups to problem-solve and negotiate with one another. By giving your child the tools to work with a lot of different personalities, you’ll be setting them up for success.
2. Listening
Many of us have trouble listening to others, which can lead to problems in our professional and personal relationships. Teach your child to listen to what others are saying rather than simply waiting for their turn to talk.
3. Politeness and Manners
Being polite can take you a long way in life. By saying please and thank you and asking nicely for things, your child will be able to navigate almost any situation with grace.
4. Sharing
Sharing with others seems like a social skill that’s only for children, but we all need to learn how to share. Adults who can share are generous and willing to help others. The ability to share can create a ripple effect in the entire community.
5. Following Directions
Almost any school or career setting requires people to follow directions. People who can follow directions get things done more easily and efficiently. Teaching your child to follow basic directions from a young age sets them up to be productive when they’re older.
6. Being a Good Sport
We can’t always win, but it can be difficult to accept losing or failure. Teach your child to have a positive attitude, whether things go their way or not. By being a good sport, you can make improvements instead of getting bogged down in anger when you lose.
7. Making Eye Contact
It may sound simple, but making eye contact is an important social skill. No matter the social situation, maintaining eye contact with others sends a sign that you respect them. It also gives them positive feelings about you, your intentions, and your abilities.
8. Patience
In a society that wants everything as fast as possible, patience is a virtue. Teaching your child patience helps keep them calm when dealing with others and helps them learn to hold out for what they truly want.
Are you interested in a school that’ll help your child develop social skills? Contact us for a tour.
If you want your child to have a chance to practice these social skills outside the home, Austin Children’s Academy can help. We use a Montessori approach that encourages cooperation and helping others. Contact us today to set up a tour.
