Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

12-18-2024

Build Social Skills at Home for Success in School

One of the best indicators of future school success is a child's ability to interact in positive ways with others. Students with well-developed social skills tend to do better in school than students who are aggressive, disliked by classmates or unable to form close relationships.

Class discussions, group projects and group activities all require students to work with one another. Strong social skills will make it easier for your child to succeed.

To reinforce social skills at home:

Talk about what it takes to be a good friend—for example, being honest, nice and an attentive listener. Ask your child, “Can you think of times when you have shown these traits?” Role-play to help your student practice being friendly.
Teach your child to be a good sport. Encourage being a gracious winner and loser. Compliment your child for trying hard, even when it doesn’t result in a win.
Expect your child to be kind and polite. Being nice is the right thing to do. Help your student think about others’ feelings: “Andy’s mom is sick. How do you think we could help?”
Practice cooperation. Do projects together, such as planning a family dinner. Look for opportunities to compromise, too. (“You can sleep 10 minutes later before school if you choose your outfits at night.”)
Support your child’s friendships. Let your student participate in activities and invite friends to do things with your family. Also help your child meet new people.
Be a role model. When you are friendly to other people, your child probably will be, too.

Brought to you by:

Candler County School District

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