5 Tips to Help Children Build Positive Relationships

For children to become well-adjusted, well-rounded individuals, they need a solid foundation that allows them to build positive relationships with others. Being able to communicate their thoughts and emotions effectively can stimulate their cognitive development and critical thinking skills. They’ll also be able to strengthen their connections with their family, friends, teachers, and caregivers, creating a community that’s built upon love, respect, and trust.

In short, Singaporean parents must encourage their children to build healthy relationships. However, not all children respond to the same stimuli. Moreover, there are children who are naturally shy or experience social anxiety and thus may find it difficult to open up to others.

The strategies mentioned below are to guide your child in the challenging but rewarding task of developing positive and meaningful connections with others:

1. Lead by Example

Children learn through observation; simply put, your child is influenced by the way you act. As such, you have to be a positive example to your little one so that they’ll be inspired to do and be good. Start with simple things like practising mindful speech. When you’re more aware of your tone and the words you use, you’re able to put more care and thought into what you want to say. You’re also encouraging yourself to be more polite and respectful when communicating with others. This can have a positive impact on your child’s behaviour and speech.

It’s also best to demonstrate warmth and openness towards friends, family, and newcomers. Being welcoming to others will teach your child about the importance of inclusivity and the value of hospitality. Encourage your child to greet guests and exert effort to make them feel welcome in your home. If you’re hiring a maid in Singapore, you can also remind your child to appreciate her and treat her with respect. Their willingness to accept people for who they are can help in the development of a harmonious and supportive environment at home, school, and eventually, the workplace.

Finally, teach your child the importance of active listening and clear expression. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully. By practising these skills within the family, your child will have a valuable foundation for their interactions with peers and adults in and out of the home.

2. Foster a Positive Home Environment

A positive home environment is pivotal to helping children build positive relationships. When they can see that respect and empathy are valued within the family, your child can carry this knowledge with them and apply it in their social interactions with others who are not in their inner circles.

To foster this type of environment, it’s good to spend quality time together as a family so that you can create opportunities to bond and have meaningful conversations. You should also give your child age-appropriate responsibilities, like washing the dishes, to build their independence and self-confidence. Establish clear family rules and boundaries to teach your child respect and consideration for one another. Moreover, recognise and celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small, to reinforce their self-esteem and the idea that they’re a valued member of the family.

3. Acknowledge and Respect Their Emotions

Emotions such as anger and disappointment might be a bit complex for children to process. If they don’t know how to handle these feelings properly, they may feel frustrated and lash out. Thus, it’s crucial to teach your child that all emotions are valid and that they should be acknowledged and expressed in healthy ways. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings, and provide them with guidance on how to cope with difficult emotions constructively. Emotions can sometimes be overwhelming for children. However, by teaching them practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety, you can support your child’s emotional well-being. When you teach your child how to properly express their feelings, they can extend this ability to other relationships in their lives.

4. Play Games That Improve Their Social Skills

Engaging in games and activities that enhance social skills is an enjoyable way to help your child develop the tools they need for positive relationships. Board games, role-playing scenarios, and team sports all provide opportunities to practise cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. Moreover, games and activities that involve taking turns, sharing, and working together teach valuable skills while having fun. These experiences not only strengthen your child’s social abilities, but also reinforce the importance of fairness and teamwork.

5. Lessen Their Screen Time

If your child’s attention is constantly glued to the TV, computer, or smartphone, they’re missing out on opportunities where they can explore the world and meet new people. As such, it’s in your best interest to create a healthy balance between screen-based activities and real-world interactions for your child.

Set clear limits on screen time and promote face-to-face communication. Engage in activities together as a family, such as field trips or game nights, to create opportunities for meaningful connections. You can also give your child opportunities for socialisation, like arranging play dates or enrolling them in after-school activities. This gives them a chance to meet other children and create long-lasting friendships.

Helping your child develop the skills they need to build positive, healthy relationships is beneficial to their well-being. When they’re able to socialise confidently and treat others with respect, they can create a lifetime of fulfilling connections and be a positive individual in the community.

Margarette Lee

Editor, Consultant, Traveler