For a child’s development to be complete, it is important that they be able to develop their social skills . Their ability to get involved in projects and be an active part of society when they are adults or even earlier will depend, to a large extent, on this.
Therefore, in this article we want to talk about basic social skills and how to develop them in the short, medium and long term.
Definition of social skills
The definition of social skills is the set of behaviors that are needed to be able to relate effectively with the people around us, mutually and satisfactorily.
In other words, a social skill is something that can be observed, evaluated and even modified if necessary. It is not something we are born with, and that is why social skills in children do not usually become apparent if they are not cultivated.
Problems when basic social skills are lacking
When the social skills that should be worked on and put into practice are not well known, children can suffer and experience low self-esteem, feelings of frustration, adaptation problems or aggressiveness, among others, which could even lead to long-term in psychological problems.
Examples of social skills
There are some types of basic social skills, which must be fostered from the time the child is born. When these are present, it is much easier to know which are the strongest social skills :
- Smile at others.
- Say hello and introduce yourself. A social skill that will serve to establish new ones.
- Collaborate by doing favors without expecting a reward in return.
- Show kindness to people around you.
These are just a few examples of foundational social skills.
When these social skills are in place , children have a much easier time making friends, establishing cordial relationships with their classmates, teachers, and family members. In addition, social skills for children help them improve their ability to concentrate, since they have greater self-esteem and confidence in themselves, which will be useful when learning.
Materials to enhance social skills
In order to improve children ‘s social skills there are some useful tools. For example, there are books that teach as stories how to establish relationships, ask for things or have a conversation.
The dynamics can also be very useful to enhance social skills. Both at school and at home you can do some exercises with assumptions that will measure reactions and behavior, and thus correct those areas where it is necessary to do so.
Both parents and educators must be very clear that the social skills that are taught to children from an early age can condition their lives as adults. That is why it is vital to work on social skills for children.
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