How Can I Help With My Child's Social Development?

Poor social interaction with peers can impact a child academically because school is designed for students to work together. Teaching good social behavior is especially important for children who are more comfortable being alone. These children may have short tempers, trouble sharing, or problems responding to what is happening around them.

Activities at home that can make a child interact will teach your child good sportsmanship, controlling tempers, and losing gracefully. Also, playing games that make a child communicate in a group and cooperation are also good. Creating situations where the child must respond to someonelse's needs are helpful. Some examples of games and activities that could help are:

1. Board games (checkers, monopoly, sorry, or card games)
2. Charades
3. Team sports (baseball, basketball, or swim team)
4. Building models (cars, airplanes, or ships)
5. Family charities (soup kitchens, nursing homes, or community gardens)

Most importantly encourage your child to take responsibility for his or her actions and talk about what is appropriate in handling various situations.