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How to develop socially savvy kids

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
How to develop socially savvy kids
Kris Gienger

How children interact with adults differs from how they behave with their peers. Adults moderate their reactions to children's negative behaviour and respond strongly when they do something well. This is how we reinforce the behaviour we want to see.

Her peers are just as involved in shaping her behaviour. If she doesn't have much interaction with others her age, she is missing this.

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It is sometimes hard for children to form social groups and explore their local area in Hong Kong. Some high-rise buildings do have a protected play area, where bikes can be ridden and ball games played, but they are few. Because of this, you need to help her form and maintain playgroups.

Depending on her age you will need to help her learn more about playing with others. Offering to take other children out for activities will give your daughter time to develop more of these skills. Offer them unstructured time in a playground or on a beach. This encourages the children to develop and share a scenario of their own making.

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Free time in her bedroom, learning to share toys and teaching others how to handle them properly, will help her become more open. Stay close by or within earshot so you can offer support. Don't oversee every activity. Sometimes the consequences of her behaviour will be made clear to her by others' reactions. Even though it may be upsetting, try to help her see what she did that brought it on.

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