RELATIONSHIPS should be the First R of Education for Kids.
Making Friends is an Essential Childhood Skill – Studies show good relationships convey a range of health benefits and longevity
By Helen Branswell the Canadian Press
“ It’s an undisputed fact; people with friends live happier, healthier, richer lives. Studies have shown good friendships convey a range of health benefits including physical and mental. Learning how to make friends is an essential skill for our children!
Some lucky people seem to find forging new friendships as easy as falling off a log. Many others though, find themselves watching from the sidelines. Most people ages 4 to 21 are about to hit the RESET button – going back to school. This is a great time to be thinking about how to help your kids learn to make friends.
Here are some pointers from Tracy Valliancourt – professor of education and psychology at the University of Ottawa.
• More focus should be put on helping children learn how to forge friendships and interactive with others in a positive way.
• Social skills get people far in life and this is attached to having friends – too much involvement with electronics is limiting kids socially
• Parents and schools can assist children in developing positive social skills. Parents with concerns can speak to a child’s teacher for help
• Teachers can pair shy children with more outgoing ones in work projects and observe to see that some children aren’t being left out
• Parents should not be over controlling – but can facilitate by arranging play dates or helping their child to join activities that aren’t too competitive
• Parent should resist the temptation to shield their child or to give them the opportunity to work out challenging situations independently
• Parents can model relationships and talk about the value of friends with their children
• Parents can relay to their children that making and maintaining friendships is a skill and takes some work. We have to be understanding, flexible and giving to be a friend and this should be returned. Discuss why negative behavours such as bragging, teasing and being unreliable can hurt
• Some children will have ONE or a very few friends and others have a wide social circle. We should respect this.
If your child doesn’t seem to be having success socially get involved. Learning to build and maintain relationships is important for lifelong happiness!”
