Why Is It Important To Teach Children Friendship Skills In School
- by WONDERMOM
- Feb. 17, 2023
The importance of friendship in a person’s life cannot be overstated. Children start making connections with other people from a young age, and the friendships they create at this time may have a considerable bearing on how they feel about themselves and their lives in general. Yet, not every kid is born with the competencies required to negotiate these interactions in a healthy and productive way. Because of this, it is crucial for teachers in schools to impart social skills to young students. In this essay, we will discuss some of the factors that contribute to the significance of instilling social skills in children at a young age.
Learning How to Get Along with Others
The development of children’s social skills—including the ability to form and maintain friendships—is an absolute need. A person’s social skills may be broken down into three categories: the capacity to successfully communicate; the ability to create connections; and the ability to work constructively with others. We are assisting children in the development of vital social skills, such as the ability to form and keep friendships, by teaching them how to do so. These abilities will be of great use to children throughout their whole lives.
Developing one’s own sense of self-worth and confidence
Youngsters who have a strong social network are more likely to have healthy levels of both self-esteem and confidence than their peers who do not. It’s important for children’s mental and emotional health to have a feeling of belonging and acceptance in their lives, and friendship may provide them both of those things. Children’s self-esteem and confidence may be bolstered when they are provided with the opportunity to develop meaningful connections thanks to the teaching of friendship skills.
The Elimination of Bullying
School bullying is a persistent issue, and it may have significant adverse effects not just on the bully but also on the victim. Children who are unable to form and maintain healthy friendships are at a greater risk of being bullied by other children, and they may also be more prone to participate in bullying behavior themselves. We can assist lessen the number of incidents of bullying that take place in schools if we teach youngsters the skills of friendship.
Fostering Empathy and Compassion among Others
To have good friendship skills, one must be able to empathize with other people and have compassion for the emotions that they are experiencing. We are encouraging these basic skills that are so vital for good relationships by teaching youngsters how to create and keep friendships. Youngsters who develop their capacity for empathy and compassion are more likely to have companions who are kind and encouraging, which, in turn, may lead to more satisfying relationships in adulthood.
Promoting Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace
The development of skills in friendship may also contribute to the promotion of diversity and inclusion in educational settings. Youngsters are more likely to embrace variety and accept individuals for who they are if they are taught how to build connections with people who are different from themselves. This has the potential to make the school climate more welcoming and inclusive for all of the students, giving them a sense that their contributions are appreciated.
Enhanced Capabilities in the Classroom
It may come as a surprise, but the ability to maintain healthy friendships may also have a beneficial effect on one’s academic success. Youngsters who have a large number of close connections are more likely to be active in school activities, which may ultimately lead to improved academic performance. In addition, children who have friends who are supportive of them might find it easier to cope with the stress and other obstacles that can have an effect on their academic achievement.
In conclusion, teaching children the skills necessary to have successful friendships is critical to their general health and happiness as well as their success in life. We are preparing them for a successful future by assisting them in the development of social skills, the building of self-esteem and confidence, the reduction of bullying, the promotion of empathy and compassion, the encouragement of diversity and inclusion, and the improvement of academic performance. Parents can also play a role by modeling positive friendship behaviors and encouraging their children to form meaningful relationships with others. Schools should make it a priority to teach these important skills to their students, and parents can also play a role by encouraging their children to do so.