Explain to kids that personal space varies from person to person, and from culture to culture. People they are closer to, like relatives and siblings, may be more open to hugging and touching than strangers. Likewise, people from other cultures may prefer more or less personal space. [2] X Research source Tell kids how to read body language. Teach them that people tensing up, crossing their arms, and backing away is a sign their personal space is being invaded. You should also let kids know they’re entitled to their own personal space. Do not pick them up without their permission, or hug them if they do not want to be hugged. Let them know they have authority over their own bodies. Teach children to do the same in return. Have them ask permission before hugging people, sitting in people’s laps, and so on.
Encourage kids to use their imagination. Have them picture themselves in a variety of different scenarios. Look for learning opportunities throughout the day. For example, if your child tells you he or she saw someone getting picked on in school, encourage your child to imagine how they would feel in a similar scenario. When watching TV or movies, ask your kids how they think a character is feeling and why. Encourage them to imagine themselves in a similar scenario and think about how they would feel.
Talk to kids about how to enter a conversation. Explain basic greetings. Instruct children to greet others by saying things like, “Hi!” and “How are you?” Explain non-verbal cues as well, like waving, smiling, nodding, and hand shaking. Explain to children they should take their turns speaking in conversation. Tell them it’s important to wait until someone else finishes talking before interjecting. Also, teach kids about listening. Explain that, in a conversation, you should respond to what the other person is saying rather than simply talking about yourself. Teach your children how to be assertive when they talk to people as well. Explain to your child that being assertive is not the same as being aggressive. It means asking for what you want in a direct, honest way. People who communicate in an assertive way do not use threats, insults, or excuses to get what they want. [4] X Research source
Catch children in the moment. You may hear your son tell your daughter that she’s hogging a toy. Interject with something like, “Mason, what you really mean is that you want Charlotte to give you a turn. Tell her you want to feel included as well. " Teach children to be upfront with other people about behaviors that make them uncomfortable. A preschool age child may kick and hit when he feels he’s being made fun of. Instead, teach him to use his words. Tell him, when he’s met with mockery, to say something like, “It hurts my feeling when you talk like that and I need you to stop. " Have children stop and think when they’re upset. If a child is not sure what he or she wants or needs, ask questions to help that child figure this out. Ask something like, “Why does that make you angry? Why do you react that way?”
You can also play a variation that’s like pictionary. Have your kids draw pictures of people or animals conveying a certain emotion and try to guess that emotion.
Staring contests can be a fun, playful way to teach your kids about eye contact. You can play a game called “Eyes on the forehead. " Place a stick of a pair of eyes on your forehead and instruct your kids to keep an eye on the sticker. This won’t be eye contact, exactly, but it will give kids a sense of the direction they should look when talking to someone. When playing on a swing, encourage your child to make eye contact with you. Make sure that you teach your child that not all cultures value eye contact and some cultures even consider making eye contact to be rude.
Host playdates. Talk to parents of your children’s friends and offer to have the kids over for a day. Take your kids to events where he or she will see friends. School events, birthday parties, and trips to places like the park can be a great way to assure your child sees his or her friends regularly. Help your child deal with rifts with friendships. Explain that it’s normal for friends to fight or get angry with one another. Encourage your child to apologize if he or she hurts a friend’s feelings.
In addition to having a positive effect on overall social skills, playing sports encourages physical activity and healthy habits. Kids who engaged in team sports during their youth are less likely to smoke and also may have better self-esteem. Keep in mind, however, that not all kids enjoy sports. If your child is very resistant to sports, don’t force it. There are many other extracurricular activities that promote teamwork and togetherness. These can be just as beneficial as team sports to your child.
Cater to your child’s interest. If your kids are interested in writing and art, have them take classes at a local art center or sign up for the school paper. Think about clubs like Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts. Many children learn vital skills through such organizations.
Between 19 and 24 months, your child may not interact with others. Your child may not smile when looking at you or give reaction. A child may also not engage in play or recognize pictures of familiar objects. These symptoms can indicate that your child may be autistic. With autism, as a child gets older, social development may continue to move slowly or at an uneven pace. A child may not engage in brief conversations, follow simple directions, listen to stories, make friends, initiate conversations, or express physical states. This means, your child may not say things like “I’m hungry” or “I’m hurt. "
