(“Now

pretend I’m the new student and introduce yourself to me. What would you say?”)

To teach these skills to a child, you must first
figure out what the child is already doing right
and then what the child needs to learn to do
better. Specific needs vary from child to
child and situation to situation. Here
are some tips:

objec-

tively in social settings and
compare his interactions to those
of well-liked children.

that your

child needs to learn or use more effectively. For example, does your child interrupt others, always try to “be the boss,” act aggressively toward others, or cry

Always start by telling your child what he

did right and then what he can improve on.

Remember to teach … not criticize.

Teaching social skills

will never be as easy as it sounds, and we are all at different levels of learning. Always try to practice what you preach. Remember: Making friends is an ART! – so get out the pencils, practice, and use lots of paper!!!

For more parenting
information, visit:

31

How to break the ice with kids
they haven’t met before.

How to act positively with others.

How to manage conflict
constructively.

Observe your child

Isolate the skill(s)

Explain the steps of the skill

Help your child practice the skill.

Give your child constructive feedback.

Be patient.