Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

08-12-2022

Getting Along with Others Takes Practice

Teens' social skills can affect their success and happiness in school. But even popular kids can be awkward at times. They're not always sure of how to make and keep friends.

To help your teen fine tune social skills:

Be realistic. Teens can't have perfect social skills all the time. Expecting too much can deflate your teen's self-confidence.
Honor your teen's style. Don't force a shy teen to go to large gatherings of lots of teens. Instead, help your teen connect with a few friends at a time.
Set an example. Tell your teen about conversations you've had that resolved problems with peers. Share how you felt and how you think your friend felt.
Don't "grill" your teen and demand all the details. Instead, ask open-ended questions, like "How did things go today?" This opens the door for your teen to discuss and work on social habits.
Explain empathy. Talk about the emotions and actions of characters in books TV shows and movies. Discuss what makes them cry, worry, lie or run away.
Build an emotional vocabulary. When your teen appears hurt, happy, sad or nervous, say so. When teens can name their reactions, they can better read how others feel.
Read faces. Help your teen tune in to non-verbal messages. In a public place, notice people nearby and talk with your teen about how they might be feeling based on their body language.

Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

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