How to Help a Nonsocial Teen

The topic of nonsocial teens is not often discussed openly. A nonsocial teen may be stereotyped as an outcast or a potential problem. In truth, many nonsocial teens are neither. Regardless of the reasons why a teen is choosing to avoid social situations, addressing his self esteem may be the key to unlocking his personality.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Focus on Social Skills

1. Encourage your teen to talk about what he knows. Sometimes teens don't feel comfortable talking because they don't know what to say. If you focus on the subjects they are most interested in, conversation will be more comfortable.
2. Help by role playing situations where your teen has to listen to an adult speaking.
3. Teach your teen to listen without interrupting. This is an important but difficult social skill for teens who already have short attention spans.
4. Demonstrate for your teen what good eye contact looks like. Show her how to keep her eyes on the person speaking.
5. Instruct your teen on the art of building rapport. Rapport is the understanding that occurs in good social interaction, which can help your teen find a common connection when speaking to others.

Build Self Esteem in Your Teen

6. Notice how your teen reacts when she is feeling appreciated. Most teens will act politely and with a good attitude when they feel important and valued.
7. Focus on what your teen can do well. Set up situations where you know your teen will succeed and give extra praise for completion.
8. Teach solid problem-solving skills. For example, if your son is having difficulty at work, ask him to come up with ways to solve the situation.
9. Provide choices for your teen. This will train your child to be accountable for her actions, since she has made the choice.

Seek Social Opportunities for Your Teen

10. Match your teen up with a younger kid in your neighborhood. The younger child will benefit from the friendship and your teen will learn to be more interactive in a non-intimidating environment.
11. Schedule some volunteer work for your teen. Nursing homes and children's hospitals often welcome teens who want to offer companionship and interaction with the residents and patients.
12. Sign your teen up for a club or sports activity. He will feel rewarded by offering to help do something positive for his own community.
13. Search for volunteer organizations at Volunteermatch, which locates volunteer opportunities by ZIP code (see Resources below).