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In a post-COVID-19 world, it’s difficult to give kids the kind of experiences they need to develop social skills. Social development is so important for kids. It provides them with skills that will help them in their future careers and personal lives. But how can we teach our kids the social skills they deserve to carry with them throughout their lives when we live in such a seemingly isolated world?
Here are some of Wondrfly’s favorite solutions to this generation’s conundrum: how to get your kids to socialize in a safe and healthy way during the pandemic.
1. Family Mealtime Chats One of the best things you can do for your child’s social development is to ensure that their family interactions are thriving. One of the most effective ways to boost your family’s sense of community is to put down devices at family meals and chat with each other. Mealtime is a convenient time for everyone in the family to sit down and tune in with each other. You may find that your family grows closer than ever when you start discussions over meals.
2. Teamwork Around the House Another way to turn your child’s family life into a microcosm of the real world is to start assigning them household responsibilities they’re able to carry out. An important aspect of developing social skills is encouraging your kids to take on responsibilities so they can feel confident in their own independence. Plus, helping around the house will teach your child that their actions have the power to impact a larger community— in this case, their family unit.
3. Parenting Pets
Another way to strengthen your child’s sense of responsibility and social obligations is to get them a pet. You don’t have to make a huge investment either! There are plenty of excellent starter pets for kids that don’t require a huge amount of time, effort, or money to care for. If your child is ready to start taking on more responsibility, consider letting them take care of a pet for the following reasons: • Caring for animals teaches kids empathy and compassion • Caring for animals boosts kids’ confidence • Pets teach kids important life lessons in a safe way
4. Dearest Diaries
Believe it or not, one of the most important social skills you can teach your child is the ability to sit with their own feelings and process their emotions. It might seem counterproductive, but a healthy amount of alone time gives kids the ability to regulate their feelings, making them more able to positively interact with others. Keeping a journal, diary, or personal scrapbook is a great way to structure kids’ alone time and encourage them to reflect and be mindful.
5. Pen Pal Perfection
We’ve talked a lot about how kids can learn social skills from family, pets, and their own introspection. However, there’s something about socializing with new people that you just can’t get at home. Or can you? Look into pen-pal programs for your child to join if you’d like to see them learning about other people’s lives, cultures, and opinions, while also developing their writing skills!
6. Safe Online Communities for Kids
The internet is a vast and sometimes scary place for parents as far as their kids are concerned. But if you safeguard against internet hazards and inappropriate content, online communities designed especially for kids can be a tremendous boon. There are lots of safe and educational websites out there where kids can connect with other kids who share their interests. These communities usually have very strict community guidelines and regulations, but, of course, whether you feel an internet community is safe for your child is up to you. Check out this list of kid-friendly social sites from Mashable.
7. Keep Reading!
Kids can learn about social norms and interpersonal interaction from books and stories. These representations of real-life prepare kids to go out confidently into the world. After all, the more you read, the more you learn. And the more you learn, the more you know! The more you know, the more confident you are in diverse circumstances.
Looking for more activities to keep your kids learning important social skills and more? Check out Wondrfly, Jersey City, and Hoboken’s top activity directory for parents and guardians of kids. We have the best selection of kids’ activities in your area! Search Wondrfly today for just a taste of what we have to offer.
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