10 Tips to Encourage Flexible Thinking
Flexible thinking is not only essential for academic success but also plays a crucial role in building strong and healthy relationships, particularly with friends.
By Nadine Briggs
It’s a busy time of year and it can be tempting to skip planning social time over the holiday break. Those consistent connections and fun experiences with friends are what make them feel closer to each other and can deepen friendships. Feeling accepted and connected to others can help kids cope when things are hard and improve their overall well-being.
The loneliest kids are the ones who never contact anyone to hang out. Many kids feel that others will approach them to socialize but that doesn’t always happen. It’s important for them to learn that friendship takes effort and planning time together is the responsibility of both friends.
Doing something in the community is less anxiety-provoking than in-home. If your child starts to get weary, you can leave when you need to, without feeling pressure to stay for a predetermined amount of time.
Ask the family you are hoping to socialize with what they are comfortable with in terms of in person time together and masking.
Having a couple of options can help to make sure the social time actually happens.
Having games or activities available for kids can help them limit the options. Too many choices can lead to a lot of indecision and possibly frustration. When engaged in a game or activity, there is less pressure to talk the whole time. Kids who worry about keeping conversations going might feel more comfortable if the focus is on the game and less on them.
Having music playing can help to make any awkward silences feel less “cringe-y”.
To plan social time with your child or to give them independence in making plans, you are welcome to download our social planner. This tool can help those who struggle with executive functioning.
We wish you all a very happy and social holiday season!
If your child/teen/young adult needs coaching to help them make friends, contact us to schedule a trial https://calendly.com/simplysocialkids/30min or find out more about our weekly programs or Just for Fun clubs or learn more by contacting us at https://simplysocialkids.com/.
