| If your child buys friends, she definitely | | | | this social skill right now. Then practice |
| needs social skills. As the parent, you can | | | | this skill during the week and let me know |
| coach your child to make true friends with | | | | the results." |
| the simple social skills that build character | | | | |
| too. | | | | Second Social Skill Parenting Tip: |
| | | | |
| Recently, I received an email from a | | | | Advise your child to "Repeat what your |
| psychologist who works with kids. She wrote, | | | | friends say in your own words. This will show |
| "One problem I would like to see addressed is | | | | you really listened. Your friend will love |
| when children try and win friends by giving | | | | your attention. Let's make up some typical |
| them gifts." What a great topic! Below are | | | | situations and role play this skill. Then |
| some questions to ask and 3 parenting tips to | | | | practice it with other kids this week and |
| share. | | | | tell me the results." |
| | | | |
| Parenting Questions: | | | | Third Social Skill Parenting Tip: |
| | | | |
| I suggest that you sit down with your kids. | | | | Remind your child to "Smile when you talk. |
| Talk about making friends and ask these 3 | | | | Smiling helps you look friendly. Smiles show |
| questions to get them thinking. | | | | that you like your friends. Smiles relax you |
| | | | inside and give you a happy feeling. Let's |
| First - "How could buying friendships with | | | | pretend I'm one of your friends and let's |
| candy and gifts be an insult to the giver?" | | | | practice smiling while we talk. Next, |
| | | | practice this skill with your friends and let |
| Second - "If kids like a person because of | | | | me know the results." |
| their gifts, how good are those friendships?" | | | | |
| | | | Thank you to the psychologist who asked for |
| Third - "Would you like some secrets to | | | | this topic. I hope you can use these tips. I |
| making real friends?" | | | | also hope they help all parents who want |
| | | | their kids to make true friends. |
| If your child answers "Yes" to the third | | | | |
| question, Pick out some social skills your | | | | Social Skill Conclusion: |
| child needs. Practice one a week. Consider | | | | |
| using the following social skills. | | | | Many kids don't know how to make friends. |
| | | | They may be shy, bully other kids, brag, or |
| First Social Skill Parenting Tip: | | | | just feel awkward. As the parent, you have |
| | | | the opportunity to coach them. If you do, |
| Tell your child, "Act happy and say, 'Hi,' | | | | you'll be giving them an important skill for |
| when you see your friends. Your friends will | | | | life. You'll be building character too. |
| feel great and so will you. Let's role play | | | | |