Lady Evelyn’s Guide to Boosting Your Child’s Social Development
We know how busy and tiring it is getting our kids back into the post-ramadan routine (especially if they were staying up late at night for Taraweeh and Qiyam!).
As our kids adjust to their regular schedules again, let’s talk about a topic that helps them with this transition.
Social interaction is an indispensable part of life, serving as the cornerstone of psychological well-being and personal development.
Observing your child spend lunchtimes and playtimes in solitude can be concerning. It’s a scene as poignant as a tea party with all the teddies but none of the chatter. At Lady Evelyn American School, we’ve prepared some tips to help your child transition from solitary lunches to lively liaisons:
Model Social Interactions
Like sponges, children absorb behaviours from those around them. Show them the beauty of positive social interactions by engaging in friendly conversations with neighbours or during outings. Remember, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would greet everyone with a smile—a universal sign of friendship.
Role-Playing Social Scenarios
Transform your living room into a stage where you and your child can rehearse social encounters. This can be as fun as a game of charades, aiding your child in navigating conversations and building confidence in a low-stakes environment.
Foster Empathy and Kindness
Teach the importance of empathy by discussing feelings and demonstrating kindness daily. Following the Sunnah, we should treat others with compassion and understanding, as we would like to be treated.
Teach Social Etiquette
Manners maketh the man, as the saying goes. Teach your child the basics of Islamic etiquette, such as greeting others with “As-salamu alaykum” and waiting their turn to speak, laying the foundation for respectful and confident social interactions.
Boost Self-Esteem with Praise and Encouragement
Children flourish with praise, much like plants with sunlight. Celebrate their socialisation efforts, focusing on progress over perfection.
Practise Social Skills at Home
Utilise everyday moments, like dinner time, as opportunities for practising conversation, sharing, and manners.
Encourage Independence and Decision Making
Empower your child to make choices, from selecting their outfits to choosing a book. Each decision builds their sense of self, equipping them to express their preferences in social settings.
Discuss and Debrief Social Interactions
After social gatherings, engage in a friendly debrief over hot chocolate, discussing what went well and identifying areas for growth.
Introduce Technology as a Tool, Not a Crutch
Guide your child to use technology wisely, encouraging online interactions that enhance rather than replace real-life social skills.
Each child’s path to social confidence is unique. Check out our admissions page and BOOK A CALL with our experts to discuss how our programs can benefit your child
