Teaching social skills to children with special needs takes a lot of time and practice. And our efforts as parents is the key to their improvement.
So here are some ways to help your kids improve his/her social skills:
1. Enroll your child in a SPED school. It doesn't matter whether it's a public school or a private therapy center, what matters most is that he gets the education and therapy he/she needs. My son is currently enrolled in a public SpEd (Special Education) school here in Bulacan. And part of the SpEd program is to improve the kids social skills so they conduct a socialization class or activity, every now and then. All the SpEd students are required to attend. Parents or guardian must also be present during the session for safety purposes. The parents can also participate on the activities to encourage their kids to interact.
2. Follow up activities at home. It is advisable to do some follow-up activities or role-playing at home in order to maintain their behavior both indoor and outdoors. Ask your developmental pedia for some tips or read parenting forums, like I usually do, and learn from their personal experiences and for some tips and advice.
3. Make simple rules. Let them play with other kids in the neighborhood and don't neglect them from playing outside. Just keep an eye on them and set a few rules like specific play time hours or don't cross the street, and other rules depending on their behavior.
4. Get all the family on board. And to be effective in teaching social skills at home, it is very important to get every member of the family involve. When it comes to raising a special child, it's really a family effort.
No comments: