Kids today have more distractions than ever. They can stay fairly introverted without much effort. Oftentimes a lot is taught “at” them, meaning more lecture than involvement learning. As they get older, social interaction increases and they begin to join clubs, sports, youth groups, school activities, and even start job interviews. Here are a few ideas to help encourage your kids to help them become more comfortable and social.
Proper Greeting
Practice a greeting with them, like a handshake or “Hello, how are you?” Have them look directly in your eyes when saying, “I’m doing well, thank you. How are you?” Good eye contact and a strong voice makes a difference. Teaching that everyone in life is meaningful. For extra-shy kids, this will be tougher, but the more they practice now, the better.
Compliment First
TV and media are full of complainers. Kids sometimes start off with what they don’t like. (Ever give your kid the wrong flavor ice pop?) Teach them to say one nice thing before anything critical. For example: “Thank you for getting me an ice pop, it’s just that this is not the flavor I wanted.” Show a page with the numbers 1-10, but remove the 7. Teach to first compliment on how many are correct before bringing up what is missing.
Salah Darwish
Goals
This is a great way to help them start thinking deeper and explain their thoughts better. Have kids make a list of all the things that bring them joy. Discuss. Then ask what they are afraid of, and discuss. What are three jobs they might like to have? Discuss these, too. What do they want to accomplish this year? You might be surprised at what your children come up with.
Presenting
Still the number one fear—even over death! Kids are going to be asked to speak to their classes. It can be intimidating, so building this skill at home is helpful. Have them select a topic, discuss ideas, and create a one-minute speech. A simple example is, “why does ice cream bring me joy?” Help them with a beginning, middle, and ending. Then, it’s your turn to present a one-minute talk. This is familiar, fun, and helps alleviate speaker anxiety.
Sell
Yes, you saw that correctly! Sell. Take a toy, or even a spoon, and have your child come up with ways to “sell” it. Say “no” a few times so they must work harder. Have them ask questions about what you like. The reality is, if someone can engage, ask questions, and communicate ideas, they can always find work, whether it’s at a fast-food counter or a Fortune 500 Company.
Tim O’Brien lives with his family in Hoover, Alabama, and is the sales director for Innerspaice Architectural Interiors, author of Road Growth: A Story of Selling, and is an active musician, including working with the Prince of Peace Youth Ministry.