Want to boost your kids’ confidence and social intelligence? A child psychologist says providing reassurance and validation can make a world of difference. Here’s how parents can do that.
Let's say your kid is feeling upset about something. Before saying a single word, you might want to rub their back, give them a hug or hold their hand. A fifth grader once told her mother:"When I'm sad, I just need you to give me a big hug and say, 'Yeah, that really sucks. It's awful.'"
Plus, contrary to what most kids think, being popular doesn't alleviate loneliness. Popularity, a social status that is driven by exerting power through rumors and put-downs, is inherently unstable and therefore difficult to maintain. that along with peer acceptance, at least one strong, healthy friendship predicts both good school performance and psychological well-being .I often see kids dwell on one social slight or disappointment, which in that moment looms larger and more pressing than all the positives in their lives.