Social Opportunities

Social opportunities can really build children's confidence and help them find their talents. Many children are very motivated by time with peers in sports or clubs. For instance, some sports require children have a "C" average to stay on the team. These requirements can encourage children to work hard in school. Children can also take great pride in their accomplishments, like scoring a goal in soccer or playing an instrument in a school performance. Children can develop lasting friendships, which makes them happier overall.

Even if your child doesn't have the best social skills, social opportunities are still very important. Your child may need time around peers to practice social skills. Being a member of a team can teach your child teamwork and cooperation. Clubs and other activities can also teach your child to work with others. Group activities will give your child the opportunity to form friendships. If your child is not enjoying group activities, require he/she participate in one thing. Give him/her the option of picking a sport, club, playgroup, or other group activity. Recognize that not all children like the same things. For instance, not all children like the competitive nature of sports and may enjoy being in a club more. Praise and reward your child for doing the group activity. Below are some ideas about what group activities your child could do. Talk to your child about the options and figure out an activity for him/her to do.

• Sports at school or in the community. Participation in team sports can help your children use their energy in a positive way. It can also teach teamwork and cooperation. Sports teams are also a great place to form friendships.
• School Clubs or groups. There are clubs or groups for many different things like arts, theater, dance, writing, chess, computers, and foreign languages. Schools may also have scout programs (e.g. Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts). If your child is not interested in the clubs at his/her school, he/she may be able to create a group (ask school personnel).
• Band. If your child is interested in music, learning an instrument may be just the thing. Learning an instrument can build focus and encourages practice. Being part of a school band can teach cooperation and help your child form friendships.
• Performing arts. Dancing, singing or theater can be a great way for people to express themselves. Many people have said involvement in performing arts helped them be less shy and more confident. Many schools put on plays or talent shows that children can be part of. Children that do not want to perform could enjoy building sets or helping with lighting.
• Volunteer opportunities. There are many wonderful volunteer opportunities in the community. For example, there is Habitat for Humanity, soup kitchens, hospital volunteer programs, Salvation Army, and church activities. Volunteering can give your child a sense of pride.
• After school play. There are places, like the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club, that have after school programs. If your child is not interested in structured group activities, these play groups may be a good fit. Some have activities like arts and crafts, sports, or outdoors games. Others may let children pick their activities, like doing puzzles or playing board games.
• Summer camps. There are both day camps and summer camps for children in the summer. Camps often offer children a wide variety of activities including arts, crafts, music, dance, theater, sports, and science. Children can find their talents in summer camps. Camps can also have leadership opportunities. Camps are also a great place for children to build friendships. Camps are a great place for children to be independent from their parents for a short while.