Help Children Make Friends - Playground Politics

We wish there were something we could do to insure a child will be, if not the most popular, at least included in the games on the playground. Actually, there is something we can do to increase their acceptance by the group and become more approachable to others. New research shows that all likeable children behave in certain ways. These skills are not in-born but can be taught by parents, teachers and other caring adults. There is a language of likeability that some children cannot pick up by osmosis, but must learn. It has been called a "shorthand" to making friends. Not only does fitting in and having friends feel good, it has numerous other advantages including better grades, healthier bodies, less stress, and more opportunities to learn social skills. Children who feel like they have friends tend to stay in school longer, make wiser decisions, and are generally happier. Teach and model friendship on a daily basis and you will find your social circle enlarging. The good news is that most kids are pretty resilient and find ways to sidestep or gain acceptance by the group. It is not as important that they are the most popular kid in the school, but that there is someone in their social network who will stand up for them or help them to navigate the social seas of friendship. http://www.TheLeftOutChild.com to find other techniques to help your child be more likable. Judy Helm Wright is a parent educator and motivational speaker and has written over 20 books on family relationships. She is also known as Auntie Artichoke. You will enjoy her warmth, wit and wisdom which can be found at ArtichokePress.com Thanks for joining our community of caring parents, family members,coaches, teachers and mentors who want to help raise a generation of responsible adults who respect others.