Kids always like to be left on their own and be treated like an adult. But it is that time of their life that they require to be keenly observed and paid attention too. It is often taken for granted that if its for kids, only parents will be making decisions and all they need to do is to play, have fun and go to school. Nowadays the scenario has changed. Kids do need their share of space. While going through this they get depressed, feel lonely and can have peer pressure. It is thus important to understand their social life and their mentality towards adapting to a social life and make amendments as required.
1. Making friends
Kids generally tend to get excited when they come across other kids of same age. They love to make friends, play around or chit-chat. These are undoubtedly healthy because kids learn from one another. But the problem is sometimes they also learn bad habits. Afterall, kids are kids. Monitoring their activities from time to time is important. When they are about to do something that pricks their conscience, they become sneaky. They need to be explained in a subtle way what is good and what is bad. It is never a good idea to keep them from mingling with other kids. That would make them dull and bored.If some kids are found to be more reserved than the others,in that case its their choice. Nothing is abnormal with that kid. Kids are different from each other just like adults are.
2.The boy girl thing
Girls are different from boys. In a group of kids, girls tend to befriend with girls and boys with boys. Some kids even find kids of opposite sex unacceptable and intolerant for natural reasons as they differ in personality and thoughts. Ironically when they grow up, the scenario turns up table. So, this initial turbulence should be understood as a commonplace.
3. Let them be who they are
Never push your kid directly or indirectly to be who they are not just to fit in the gang. It is for the parents to understand kid’s interests and encourage and pave opportunities to do what they enjoy doing. Faking ones interest or preferences to be accepted in a team is in no way an idealistic approach to life. It is for parents to make them feel comfortable the way they are that will help them get out in to the world with confidence.
4.Teach socializing
We can not and should not expect kids to judge another one. If a kid is comfortably settled and accepted in a gang (lets say an all girls gang), she wouldn’t want to risk it for her best friend. If her best girl friend is being treated badly or bullied by the other girls in the gang, it is but natural for her to stay quiet or maybe even join the bullying. The girl could have been cast out for reasons ranging from appearances to social/economic status. It is for the adults to condemn such a wrong doing – ask the kid to put herself in the place of the girl being bullied and explain the greatness of standing up for the friend.
5. Popularity does matter
Kids love and enjoy being popular, be it at school or among the neighborhood. They constantly think about what to do or what to get to gain that little attention of other kids. Desire to own cool stufsf that others do not have is one thing. For example taking a new bike to school and showing it off, letting his friends go on a ride is definitely a cool thing for him.
