10 social skills every child should learn6 min read

All of us have a social bond with each other. We often realize that our most private thoughts and emotions are not actually inherited by our own. For we think in terms of languages and images which we did not invent, but were given to us by society. We acquired those social skills gradually from childhood. There is literally so much for today’s generation to learn in the present high-tech world.

The process of Child development is fascinating. Children should begin learning basic social skills from the very beginning. The benefits of robust social skills are likely to reap immediate benefits. If we teach our kids and youngsters, the need of great social skills from an early age, they will have concrete foundations they need as adults.

Wondering if your child really has this skillset or not? In reality, they aren’t something your child has or not. These are skills that can be learnt and strengthened with constant effort and practice. Think what skills your kid needs? Learn what skills your child should learn. The way your child will learn skills will depend on several factors. Ready to see all the amazing social preaching your child must get? Come and have a look!

Taking a second perspective when needed

Right from the beginning, teach your child that just because they are right, it does not mean that the other person is proven wrong. Maybe the person may have a different side to the same story. It’s normal to have conflicting views when you don’t agree with the other person’s point of view. Avoid making assumptions and instead, take their perspective also into account.

Importance of an apology

Apologizing doesn’t always mean that you’re wrong and the other person is right. It means that you value relationships more than your ego. Let them know that a sincere apology has three parts- I am sorry, it is my fault and what can I do to make it right? You bet! Things will automatically change for good. Let them learn from their mistakes and find new ways of dealing with difficult situations.

Co-operating with others and working with them

Teach your child that if they want cooperation from others around, then they themselves must be genuine and humble towards them as well. Cooperation also means taking turns and helping each other out. The two most important ingredients to get along in this world are sharing and taking turns. In healthy terms, there is no passing of the buck but an actual helping of one another. We all need cooperation at home, work and in our daily interactions. And so it becomes very important for a person to learn the spirit of cooperation at an early stage.

Happily accepting criticism

The people who accept criticism are the ones who are genuinely interested in self-improvement. Does it feel like your child can’t deal with criticism? Worry not! Lots of kids have a hard time handling criticism. Even the most minor comments can seem crushing when kids try to build up new skills. Some kids just need more time to learn how to respond to it. And gradually they learn how to deal with it.

Thinking twice before speaking

Tell your kids to be sure to taste their words before they speak. Because once words are said, they can be only forgiven but not forgotten. Kids say silly yet cute things, and that’s one of the things we love about them. But as a parent, you can teach your kid how to think before they speak by emphasizing that they imagine themselves in someone else’s shoes.

Respecting everyone’s personal space

Teach your child to respect every person’s space no matter what. Teach them to have appropriate distance from the other person, depending upon your connection with them. Everybody is different. Some people also get very territorial about their personal space. When people other than your friends, or family stand too close, you feel the need to step back within what works fine.

Accepting differences

Sometimes strength lies in difference and not similarities. Talk with your child about the ways in which people within your own family are different from each other – they each have their own likes and dislikes, interests, and things that they are good at. Help your child to consider the feelings and opinions of others – to put him or herself in the other person’s shoes. Help your children to see that differences are to be appreciated and celebrated. You can do this by exposing them to other cultures and people through watching television programs or reading books about other people and places and much more. Make them feel equally respected and calm.

Developing a good set of communication skills

Communication enables people to share thoughts, opinions, ideas, and receive them in turn. Your child can learn the essential elements of conversation by watching films or videos of these interactions taking place. Good communication skills will possibly guarantee better understanding among individuals, lessen conflicts and create harmony in many situations.

Taking charge of their own responsibilities

Tell them that until they take responsibility for their actions, things are more likely to crumble. All children want to see themselves as responsible, powerful and able to respond to what needs to be done. They need this for their self esteem, and for their lives to have meaning.

Dealing with anger and frustration

Anger is quite a normal and healthy emotion. Anger is nothing more than an outward expression of hurt, fear and frustration. But many kids struggle to understand the difference between angry feelings and aggressive behavior. Amongst children, anger is very common since childhood. This can happen due to several factors. The best way to teach children how to deal with anger is by showing them how you deal with your emotions when you feel angry. Tell them the fact that nobody heals themselves by wounding others.

These skills are going to be crucial parts of their personal as well as professional development. No doubt that there would be many hurdles. While every kid is unique and may learn in a different way, the above mentioned skills may definitely prove to be helpful for them. Let your kid join in conversations, collaborate with peers, develop lasting friendships, and so much more. Ultimately the truth is that kids are kids. They are still developing, growing and learning from their surroundings. As adults, our prime duty is to teach them the right thing. So, when kids need social skills, let’s teach them.

Keep hustling!