How to Build Interpersonal Relationships for Kids

Help your child build interpersonal relationships.

A child learns about interpersonal relationships best by being around other kids in a fun environment. He might be shy at first, but eventually your child will be playing and socializing without even knowing it. Playtime is an important component of developing your child's interpersonal skills, but you may also need to give him a few pointers before he starts making friends with ease and gets over being shy.

Instructions

1. Sign the child up for an extracurricular activity such as a sports team. He will meet new friends and get to know them well, which will improve his confidence when talking to other people. The more he practices being social, the better he will be at interpersonal communication.

2. Invite the children of friends of yours to come and play with your child. Find an activity that both of them like, such as climbing trees. This common activity will help the children bond and build relationships.

3. Teach your child how to share by cutting a sandwich in half and then giving her a half, while you eat the other. Children learn by example and this kind gesture will teach her how to share with others.

4. Give your child an idea for something to present at "show and tell" if his school participates in the activity. When your child reveals something about himself, his peers will get to know him better and they might realize they want to be his friend. Being brave enough to make a presentation at "show and tell" could help your child realize he is confident enough to speak and relate to people.

5. Get along with the people you are around when your child is near. She might not seem like she is observing, but your child is always picking up cues about how to develop interpersonal relationships.

References

• Parenting Exchange: Social Skills Children Need to Make and Keep Friends
• Auburn University: Encouraging Social Skills in Young Children