Teaching Your Child to Socialize

Photo by Torsten Dederichs on Unsplash

Kids develop social skills at different levels. Some do not need any help to make friends or blend in. Other kids may have issues in this department, and you can help.

Organize play dates

Playdates give kids a chance to socialize in a familiar environment. You can make it interesting so the child will want to have friends over again. Do this by keeping the playdates small. It should only include kids the child knows.

Also, the dates should be short. Two hours may be too much for such dates since the kids are just starting the process of knowing each other. Plan and come up with activities that can make it fun for the kids. Pick activities that your child loves or let him pick.

Get involved

It would help if you were a part of the date. Don’t leave the kids alone. Stay around to help the kids feel at ease. Oversee cooking or art projects and come up with games to play. Watch your child’s reaction before doing this and if he doesn’t like you getting involved, back off.

Schedule all activities

Plan the dates on a weekly basis. You can use a public park or your home for the venue. In time, your child will run off independently to play with his new friends.

Play with your child

Playing with the child often allows you to determine the child’s playing style. It helps give you an idea of where he struggles.