Building social skills in children is non-negotiable. Man is a social being. So being social comes naturally.
But the social dynamics are changing. The gaps are widening. There’s more interaction happening through the screens than in person.
There are more followers than real life friends.
There are more complaints than action being taken.
Instead of worrying about the kids getting consumed by gadgets and staying online, let’s invest a little effort, time and attention to build their social skills.
These skills will help them appreciate and value even the limited human interactions they do get. Maybe it will motivate them to interact more.
1. Role-Playing Real-Life Scenarios
Start with teaching them to look people in the eye and greet them, make introductions and attempt making polite conversation.
This is so very essential right now. I’ve spent the complete ride up in the lift with a kid or two but with not even a hello from them.
Interactions are a two-way process. To build real life connections, they have to know how to interact.
It will also prepare the shy kids for social interactions. Instead of forcing them to speak in public (and causing more harm), encourage them to start small with small introductions and conversations.
2. Board Games & Group Activities
Play board games. Yes, the actual board games with the dice and colourful coins and a board.
They build patience as they await their turn, teach sportsmanship and encourage teamwork and strategy (remember how a sly smile or a raised eyebrow could convey to your partner your next move?)
It will help them to deal with frustrations and loses, which will help in the long term when dealing with academic or social disappointments.
And more importantly, playing together will require them to interact with each other. Thus developing their communication skills.
3. Outdoor Play & Team Sports
Let them out doors. Let them explore for themselves.
Enrol them for team sports. It will teach them cooperation and communication.
It allows them to build on their non-verbal communication and problem solving.
Through group games, they learn to appreciate others, learn about humility, and ways to deal with failure.
They develop a sense of belonging to that team, forging stronger bonds.
A few of my boys from class were in the football team and what they learned on the field I saw them use to the classroom. They looked out for each other, helped each other with their work and had a positive attitude which soon spread in the rest of the classroom. It was amazing.
Important life skills for life.
4. Playdates with a Purpose
Organise structured play dates. Keep a variety of activities to keep the kids engaged and challenged.
Participating in activities encourages children to make conversations, both expressing themselves and listening to others.
When there’s a dispute, let them figure it out by themselves. They will learn about conflict resolution in a safe environment under your guidance.
For the older children, think of age appropriate games and activities to get them to work together. games like Scrabble or Pictionary are fun options.
Maybe let them work on a group project, building something together.
5. Fun Communication Games
Have you tried playing Emotion Charade with your child? You can play this at home or in the classroom.
Or Two Truths and a Lie? It’s another great game to build their conversation skills. It will also encourage the dormant storyteller to let loose their creativity.
Games like Chinese Whisper (not made in China and no tariffs there) or Fabler or storytelling are all fantastic games for kids to practice active listening.
Stop and Think
It’s time we accept it instead of being in the state of denial.
The problems that ail the kids today are in some ways reflective of our failure as responsible parents and educators.
We ignored the early warning signs. We turned the blind eye. We chose convenience to suit us.
So, the responsibility becomes greater now than ever. We’ve to ensure the kids grow into well-rounded human beings, capable of interacting with others, and not become a generation of phone addicts.
Social skills are like soft currency, building you a wealth of human connections, trust and relationships. If you don’t teach the kids how to connect now, then when will they learn?
Teaching social skills can become fun with lots of practice and patience and creativity (it’s up to you to decide how to go about it).
So what activities are you planning next? Which skill will you focus on?
