Become the beacon of light for your children

Welcome to OMG Parenting!

I am a parent. And, I have been looking into the faces of babies, parents, and grandparents for over 20 years in my work as a clinical and public health nurse. I have felt the joys, hopes, disappointments, traumas, grief, fears, concerns, laughter and love of parents and children. I have heard their thoughts and feeling.  I have seen their actions and the effects of those actions. I have interacted with the myriad of professionals who weave in and out of family life. Because of this and being a parent, I have a great appreciation for the range of experience that exists within and between each parent and child.

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Parenting Q & A

If you have any questions, email me at ns@OMGparenting.com

Question

How do I help my child develop social skills during this pandemic? 

Answer

Some ideas for helping your children develop social skills: 

  1. Online for all ages: 
    1. web sites that offer fun activities kids can do within video chats (e.g., Caribu, Messenger Kids, and Jackbox Games)
    2. Adapt scavenger hunts for ages for instance, “Find something in your house you’ve had for over 5 years / the color blue/from your last birthday, then tell the other person the story of how you got it.”
    3. Write stories together online – maybe play with you start it, next person continues it and on through all attendees until the story is done. 
  2. Read together – discuss where was there empathy, sharing, anger and how was it expressed. With younger children, have them point out different feelings on faces on the page. 
  3. Use puppets and toys to play – purposefully set up social situations
  4. Older children:
    1.  have ‘rehearsal conversations’, imagining scenarios and how to respond
    2.  Share your dilemma’s (appropriately for your child’s maturity) and ask what they would do. Discuss. 

If you are having trouble identifying social skill to develop, here are some ideas: 

  • listening to others
  • following directions
  • cooperating and using manners
  • showing empathy
  • sticking up for oneself
  • asking for permission or help
  • waiting your turn
  • deciding what to do
  • dealing with teasing or losing