Human connections and communication are critical to success in life. The right social skills play a significant role, and young adults should develop them early on. Several cues and actions will help your child excel in educational programs, among friends, and when they enter the workforce. Below are a few ways to practice with them.

Social Skills to Help Your Child Excel

1. Understand Passive, Assertive, & Aggressive

The way your child chooses to interact with others has a significant impact on situational outcomes. If they’re passive, they can come across as ineffective; those that are aggressive can be off-putting. Stress assertiveness. Assertive people speak openly, confidently, and treat others equally. This is vital when collaborating or taking leadership roles. Develop scenarios where they may over- or underreact. Then, point out adjustments to take an assertive stance.

2. Maintain Eye Contact

Eye contact says a lot to people. It lets them know that you’re listening and being respectful. It expresses interest and confidence, so remind your child to maintain eye contact. If they’re often distracted by their smartphone, tell them to keep it in their pocket when meeting others or entering a social situation. They’ll be more attentive and retain information better during educational programs and classes.

3. Learn to Accept Criticism

Accepting and processing criticism is one of the most valuable social skills. It helps your child learn from their mistakes and to be more effective in groups and alone. Help them focus on feedback rather than feeling like they failed. To start, use examples in your life they can follow, such as a coworker critiquing your yearly performance, or a team responding to an idea.

EYC Academy emphasizes teaching social skills and will work closely with your child. Serving Chesterfield, MO, and surrounding communities, this after-school program fits students of all ages, providing tutoring services and educational programs. Explore a full breakdown of their services, including standardized test preparation, on their website. Call (636) 220-3344 to consult with a tutor.