Helping your child develop social skills and emotional intelligence

Helping Your Child Develop Social Skills and Emotional Intelligence

Social skills and emotional intelligence are essential for a child to develop healthy relationships with the people around them. As a parent, it is important to help your child identify their emotions and understand how to express them properly. Here are some tips to nurture your child’s social and emotional development:

Encourage Open Communication

Foster an environment of open and honest communication where your child feels comfortable talking to you about their feelings. Ask about their day, and listen to their stories and thoughts. Ensure that your child knows they can come to you with any questions or problems.

Model Positive Social Behaviour

Children often imitate their parents, so be sure to model healthy social behaviour and relationships. Show your child how to interact responsibly with others, how to listen, how to resolve conflicts amicably, and how to be considerate and empathetic.

Explain Social Rules

Teach your child the foundations of socialisation and communication, such as how to introduce themselves and carry on a conversation. Explain to them the importance of respecting personal boundaries and using their indoor voice.

Encourage Self-Regulation

Help your child learn how to regulate and express their emotions appropriately. Explain why it is important to be aware of and understand their feelings, and guide them in understanding how to channel frustration in a healthy way.

Help Them Make Connections

Make sure your child has plenty of opportunities to connect with others their age. You can do this by enrolling them in classes, playgroups, and community events where they can make friends and practice the skills of socialisation.

By providing your child with these tools and resources, you are helping them to develop important social skills and emotional intelligence. As a result, your child will be better equipped to manage their emotions, navigate social interactions, and build strong relationships.

Extra Resources

Books:

• Ginsburg, K. R. (2009). The parent’s guide to emotional intelligence: Raising balanced children. Random House.
• Coopersmith, S. (1966). The antecedents of self-esteem. W.H. Freeman.
• Carey, J. (2020). Kids and emotions: A Parent’s Guide. BenBella Books.

Websites:

• www.parentingscience.com/social-skills-in-children.html
• www.zerotothree.org/resources/200-how-parents-can-help-their-children-develop-social-and-emotional-skills/
• www.education.com/magazine/article/Building_Emotional_Intelligence/