By Carol Szeto, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong
Nurturing children’s resilience at an early age helps them face challenges when they grow up. Social life plays a critical role in children’s emotional development, self-esteem building and overall mental health. Here are 3 key tips fostering social connections in children, which parents can adjust according to their children’s age. This will not only help children develop healthy social skills, but also cultivate their resilience.
Tip #1: Expand Social Circle
“Social connections” refers to the quality of social life, as well as the encouragement and sense of belonging in social circles. It is easier for children to build friendships with friends of their age through games, gatherings or group activities, and to find people to share and listen to each other’s life experiences. They can also learn basic social skills and ways to handle interpersonal relationships through these activities.
Parents can help their children build social connections by encouraging them to participate in social activities, whether extracurricular activities or group activities at school. Encourage your children to share their thoughts and feelings during these activities, cooperate with others, and provide support, fostering a positive social attitude.
Tip #2: Create Unique Family Rituals
Every family has its own habits, and these “rituals” can bring a sense of security and happiness to life. Incorporating rituals into family life can strengthen family bonds and create a strong sense of belonging and connection among family members, making everyone feel loved and valued.
The key is to participate together as a family. For example, designate one day a week as “Family Fun Day” and engage in activities like cooking, playing board games, taking walks, or watching movies together. Remember to maintain an open and positive attitude during these activities, fostering an atmosphere of care and close connection.
Tip #3: Engage in Community Volunteer Work
Every family has its own habits, and these “rituals” can bring a sense of security and happiness to life. Incorporating rituals into family life can strengthen family bonds and create a strong sense of belonging and connection among family members, making everyone feel loved and valued. The key is to participate together as a family. For example, designate one day a week as “Family Fun Day” and engage in activities like cooking, playing board games, taking walks, or watching movies together. Remember to maintain an open and positive attitude during these activities, fostering an atmosphere of care and close connection.Through participating in voluntary services, children can meet different people and broaden their horizons, making it easier for them to understand others’ needs emotionally. Parents can choose different volunteer activities with their children based on their personalities or interests. These activities provide valuable opportunities to collaborate with others and serve the community, helping children learn responsibility, respect for others, and problem-solving skills. Through these experiences, they can build deeper relationships, develop empathy and cooperation, and strengthen their resilience in facing challenges, becoming more well-rounded individuals.
In summary, helping children build social connections and develop resilience not only enhances their emotional development and self-esteem but also lays a solid foundation for their overall mental health. Parents can flexibly apply the above tips based on their children’s ages and interests, providing more support and encouragement as they grow, enabling them to face future challenges with greater confidence.