Do you find yourself worrying about your child’s social-emotional development? There is no doubt that our new norm for socializing has impacted most of us, especially our youth. While much of this is out of our control, here are some things you CAN control and implement (or avoid!) for long lasting, genuine friendships.
5 Ways to Start a Friendship
1. Greet people by their names. If you remember one thing about them, ask a question about it! They will be impressed that you cared enough to remember!
2. Compliment someone — who doesn’t love a compliment?! And this can be such an easy way into a conversation and a great way to break the ice.
3. Actively participate in those text messages – both individual and group chats! Show you are there and listening, even if it’s with occasional emojis and memes; something is better than nothing.
4. Offer to help! Most people appreciate those who go out of their way to lend a hand; this simple act can be the foundation to make a new friend.
5. Smile and lead with warm body language. If you appear inviting, others will want to be around you…a great way to start a friendship!
5 Ways to Burn a Friendship
1. Pester via text (no spamming allowed!) – texting too many times and not waiting for a response is an easy way to irk someone and make them avoid you!
2. Talk only about yourself – no one likes to be talked AT by a self-absorbed person who shows no interest in them.
3. Type in ALL CAPS! – this is interpreted as yelling and gives off the wrong message.
4. Have big reactions to small problems – this makes peers uncomfortable and eventually motivates them to move on and find other friends.
5. Let your ego stop you from making social repairs — people who can’t admit they were wrong or apologize for an accidental offense are irritating to others.
Friendship
1. Check in with peers when they least expect it – let them know you are simply thinking about them or hoping they have a good day/week.
2. Schedule a virtual hang-out — either playing video games or a facetime chat.
3. Remember personal facts about them and ask about those topics to show a genuine interest in their wellbeing and success!
4. Make social repairs anytime you think you may have gone off course (offended, insulted, hurt their feelings etc.). Unintentional hurtful acts and miscommunications happen…just make sure to FIX them!
5. Promote a two-way street – let them know you are there for them. That way they will also be there for you when you need help or advice.
A lot of kids are feeling isolated, abandoned or lonely during these times. If you know someone who is struggling to form friendships or keep them going, call us at 858.509.1131 or visit our website www.therapiesforsuccess.com. We offer individual social thinking and small groups for children of all ages.
Time to Say Good-bye…
Schuller Dyslexia Scholarship Student
“Her therapist worked with her in ways that allowed Maris to retain, understand, and be able to spell the words correctly on her own…”
Maris and her mom showing off her Certificate of Completion
Maris Last Day
“I hadn’t realized how much she was struggling until she began learning in a way that she was able to grasp and duplicate…. “ -Cheyenne, mother of Maris
Maris completed her scholarship and is now performing at grade level! We are proud of her hard work and excited to be a part of her success story!
To read the rest of the testimonial, click here! And if you missed her journey, check it out on our website at http://therapiesforsuccess.com/category/blog/
Spotlight on Success
Student of the Week
Dane Hellfeld
Age: 8;8
Enrolled in Literacy and Speech Therapy
Dane is becoming a more independent reader and writer. He is hooked on books! And he recently wrote his first book summary!