How to Help Your Teens Develop Healthy Social Skills

Teens who develop healthy social skills become adults with great communication skills. As a parent, set a good example when interacting with others. Show your teens what they need to do in every social situation, and use the tips below.

Build Their Confidence Through Positive Words

Confident teens have better social skills, and it is up to parents to give their teens confidence. Help them feel good about themselves from an early age. Encourage your teen with your words by telling them how proud you are of all their accomplishments.

Give Them More Freedom and Independence

Your teens will develop better social skills when you allow them to go out in social situations alone. Give them more freedom as they age. Allow them to run to the grocery store for a few items or let them deal with the teller at the bank when they are depositing funds into their account. Being independent in these small interactions will help their social skills.

Introduce Them to Your Friends and Coworkers

If you want to allow your teens to grow their social skills, then introduce them to your friends and coworkers. Meeting adults is a challenge for some teens, but you can practice with your teen what they should say. Teach them how to politely introduce themselves and answer any questions that may be asked.

Teach Them to Treat Everyone With Respect

One of the most important social skills is respect for others. Teach your teens to look people in the eye. Teach your teens to be polite in every situation, and you will be proud when you see them interact with others.

Encourage Them to Make New Friends

If you want your teens’ social skills to grow, then give them opportunities to meet new people. Encourage them to talk to new kids at school. Allow them to get a job so that they can make new friends and find mentors.

Help Them Learn to Be a Good Listener

Teach your teens the importance of being a good listener. Help them learn empathy for others so that they will have great social skills. Get your teens going with SEL lesson plans so that they will learn all kinds of skills like this.

Help your teens learn the importance of good social skills. Give them opportunities to practice their new skills in real life. Show them how to interact with anyone so that they will be prepared for adulthood.

By Emma Sturgis