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• Effective interpersonal skills are important to develop.

• Interpersonal skills are part of a set of critical soft skills.

• These skills help children face future challenges in the changing world.

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SOFT SKILLS:

• Examples of soft skills are communication, decision making, interpersonal and learning.

• These critical skills that are important in all aspects of life.

• They help a child succeed in his/her endeavours.

• They enhance their social life.

• They help him/her become successful in seeking and securing gainful employment.

• They help him/her gain a successful career as an adult.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

Examples are:

• The ability to communicate and work with people from different backgrounds;

• Willingness to take direction from and work cooperatively with others;

Teamwork and the ability to work well with others is sought after by employers.

 

ACTIVITIES TO HELP IMPROVE INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

VOLUNTEER:

-Children can learn about working with others by volunteering.

-For example, volunteer as a family to serve a meal at a homeless shelter.

COMMUNITY:

-Encourage a child to help an elderly neighbour with yard work.

-Become involved in community groups.

PLAY GAMES:

-As a parent or as a family, play board games which encourage teamwork.

-This helps a child learn co-operation with others, as well as taking turns, following rules, and controlling emotions.

SPORTS:

-Encourage a child to play a team sport.

-Sports help a child learn communication and decision-making skills, self-control and self-discipline.

-They learn how to work with a team.

OTHER CULTURES:

-Introduce the child to people from different backgrounds and cultures.

-Take part in community festivals that feature different cultures.

– Use books, magazines, films, television, or the internet as well.

DIFFERENCES:

-Start conversations about differences.

-Acknowledge that some people have ideas about those who are different from them.

DISCRIMINATION:

–Discuss any type of discrimination with a child that they may have experienced.

–Reflect upon the detrimental effect in feelings that occur when someone discriminates against a person.

-Use this as an opportunity to teach the importance of not discriminating against another.

A PARENT’S GUIDE:

The above material is from a PARENT’S GUIDE which is available from Our Future Leaders.

This guide is a resource for parents.

It reviews many types of soft skills.

It contains many suggested activities in assisting children to gain critical soft skills.

A child will become more resourceful and independent when they practice and gain these skills.

This prepares them to better deal with a diversity of problems and situations in the future.

You can gain access to the Parent’s Guide by requesting a copy on the contact page found at: http://www.ourfutureleaders.ca/contact-us/