5 Effective Methods to Improve Children’s Post-Pandemic Social Skills

While we all may be tired of hearing the words ‘coronavirus’ and ‘COVID-19’, the pandemic has been a very difficult time for everybody, everywhere.

For children especially, being suddenly forced to spend time so much time indoors during the lockdowns will have had an inevitable knock-on effect on their natural development.

Not being able to socialise with others or play as freely outdoors will have effectively encouraged them to get used to a more home-based routine, affecting not only their motor skills but their ability to socialise as well.

However, now that the worst of the pandemic appears to be behind us, kids can finally break free from this routine and get back to doing what they do best: being children.

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Actually achieving this can be a lot easier said than done though. So, listed below are a few ideas to help them get back on the right track.

1.   Sign Them up for a New Activity

Signing your children up to a team sport, club or activity can offer a great way for them to form connections with others while doing something they love.

Even if they’re not interested in a specific sport, creative hobbies like playing a musical instrument, baking, playing chess, learning a language or knitting have all been shown to build confidence and self-esteem, while also developing social skills like problem-solving and conflict resolution.

2.   Encourage Indoor Group Activities

If your kids have gotten used to the lockdown life and now love nothing more than spending their time inside glued to a games console, why not use this to your advantage?

By inviting a few of their friends over to play with them, studies have found that this could actively encourage them to socialise,creating a collaborative shared experience that can greatly improve their pre-existing friendships.

3.   Exercise with Them

While the pandemic will have been tough on your kids, it will have been tough on you too, affecting your mental and physical health more than you might think. So, why not find an activity that you and your child can do together to experience a whole host of benefits.

Children often look for self-affirmation from their parents, after all, and are constantly on the lookout for new ways to make you as proud of them as possible.

Therefore, spending time sharing your own hobbies and interests with them could be a great way of providing your kids with a positive, family-orientated experience to harness their social and physical development.

4.   Lead By Example

While on the topic of sharing your own hobbies and interests, studies have shown that children often mimic their parents so, it’s up to you to lead by example.

By setting up social events and regularly meeting up with your own friends and family, this will gently encourage your kids to change up their routine as well, while providing them with the opportunity to meet and socialise with others.

5.   Book an Education-Focused Adventure Day Camp

Here at Camp Beaumont, we have seen first-hand just how effective our adventure day camps can be at improving children's social skills. But you don’t have to take our word for it.

During a study back in 2015, 95% of the children that attended a summer camp in America were found to have significantly improved social skills and happiness levels as a result of their experience. What's more, is that our camps are designed to help children get back outside, try new activities and improve existing skills. So, why not see what difference it could make to your kids?  

To discover your nearest UK camp, simply click here. Or call us today on 01604 8510000 for further information.

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