DIFFICULTIES RELATING TO OTHER CHILDREN
The very first people a child relates to are their parents. But sometimes, teaching and reinforcing the empathy needed to connect is required. Your child might not respond as you expect. They may be sensitive to touch or cry at a whim or act up towards others.
They may avoid face-to-face contact, all together. Not all children have natural social skills. Not all fully understand what others are feeling. Parents teach this to their children by responding to their needs lovingly from when they are born.
The key is to teach your child to recognize his feelings for other people and care for how they feel. For example, using a teachable moment when another child looks upset to say, “See that child’s face? He looks sad. What do you think made him feel that way?”
Coaching your child to pay attention to people’s facial expressions is one of the first steps in helping them understand others’ perspectives. It would help if you also reinforced that how they treat others matters to you and don’t let rude moments pass.
Above all, practice patience with your child, and know that the kindness and compassion coming from you can go a long way.
We at Healthy Connections believe that interpersonal skills are essential to a child’s well-being, and it is necessary to understand why a child is having these difficulties.
The earlier you identify your child has problems relating to others, the better chance they may successfully overcome barriers.
We offer the Triumph Steps program, which helps your child understand their true self and the connection between thoughts and emotions. This understanding gives children self-ownership to develop new thought patterns and daily practices that may lead to happiness and peace.
