You expect your children to display positive behaviour when playing with other children. However, it’s not easy for some. They might feel awkward while playing and decide to stay on the side. Others end up fighting with other children for whatever reason. Since it’s crucial to build social skills, you should reward your children for exhibiting positive behaviour. Here are some tips to consider.
Have an honest conversation
Your children are old enough to have an honest conversation. While you still think of them as your babies, they have to learn how to be more mature. Having a serious discussion helps. Tell them what the expected behaviours are. They might take time to follow these actions, but it’s okay. As long as they try, it’s good enough. You can also use other children as an example. Giving concrete steps to display a positive behaviour helps. There’s something for them to follow. As long as you don’t make them feel bad because of the comparison, it’s understandable.
Show an example at home
While waiting for your children to play with others, you can be the playmate at home. Try playing games like puzzles and other toys. Act like you’re a real playmate. Observe the behaviour of your children and see if it’s in the right direction. You can also consider installing indoor soft play equipment for the home to make it more fun to play. Since you’re trying to reinforce positive behaviour, you should be the role model. Show your children how it is like to act correctly while playing with others.
Reward positive behaviour
The reward system works for children who need to exhibit positive behaviour. It encourages them to do the right thing. When they realise that good behaviour gets a reward, they will do it again. Of course, it shouldn’t happen all the time. The reinforcement of positive behaviour through a reward should only be in the beginning. It’s not right to allow children to depend on this system all the time. They might ask for a reward in everything that they do.
Allow your children to realise their mistakes
There are instances when your children are behaving well while playing. They end up throwing toys all over the place. They might also leave the area because of anger. Make sure that they realise that what they’re doing is incorrect. Let them know that it’s not good to leave the play area without fixing the place. They should also consider the feelings of other children to play with them. However, don’t scold them for such behaviour. Explain what they did wrong and let them promise not to do it again.
It takes a while to change your children’s actions while playing. Give them enough time to grow and be more mature. Even in the actual setting, don’t pressure them to behave well right away. It’s a learning process. It might take longer for some children to correct their actions, and you should be there to support them.
