Neha Singhal

My six-year-old son seems to have trouble making friends at school. How can I support him to develop his social skills?

Every child develops social skills at his own pace, so be patient and support him as he navigates the complexities of building positive relationships. Here are some ways to improve his social skills and development.

• Encourage him to consciously develop social skills such as active listening, empathy, and effective communication. Practice these by role-playing scenarios.
• Help him identify his interests and passions, and connect with others who share similar hobbies and interests, providing a foundation for friendships.
• Equip your child with problem-solving skills to navigate social challenges independently.
• Build his self-confidence by recognizing and celebrating his strengths and achievements. A confident child is more likely to befriend others with a positive attitude.
• Enrol your child in extracurricular activities that align with his interests. This provides additional opportunities to meet with peers who share similar interests.
• Organise playdates or social gatherings at home. This will facilitate the development of friendships outside of the school environment.
• Develop open communication with him about his social experiences. Listen attentively to his concerns and offer guidance without being judgmental.
• Educate your child about the qualities of a good friend, emphasizing the importance of kindness, understanding, and loyalty. Discussing these traits will help him build positive relationships.
• Speak with your son’s teachers to acquire insights into his social interactions at school. Collaborate on strategies to facilitate positive peer connections.
• If his social difficulties persist, consult the school counsellor.

I’ve noticed that my seven-year-old daughter has trouble expressing her emotions. How can I teach her ways to communicate better and cope with her feelings?

It’s important to create a supportive home environment where your child feels comfortable to express her emotions. Encourage open communication, active listening, and validate her feelings. Teach her simple words denoting varied emotions and ask how she feels in different situations. Introduce her to coping strategies such as deep breathing, art and craft activities or journaling to enable her to identify and express her emotions better.

Additionally, be a positive role model by expressing and managing your own emotions in a healthy way. If the problem persists, consult a certified psychologist/child counselor.

My four-year-old son has trouble falling asleep. What can I do to help him sleep?

Try these strategies to create a calming bedtime routine and promote better sleep habits.

• Establish a set bedtime and wake-up routine to regulate his internal body clock, to promote a more natural sleep-wake cycle.
• Dim evening lights to signal that it’s time to wind down. Use soft, calm colors in his bedroom and minimise stimulating activities before bedtime.
• Develop a calming bedtime routine that includes activities such as book reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing mindfulness exercises.
• End exposure to digital screens at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted from electronic devices interferes with production of sleep hormone melatonin.
• Create an open environment for him to share any worries or anxieties. Addressing them before bedtime alleviates stress and promotes more peaceful sleep.
• Avoid giving him caffeinated beverages or stimulating foods close to bedtime.
• Encourage and praise him for following bedtime routines successfully.
• Observe his sleep patterns and adjust bedtime routines accordingly. If sleep difficulties persist, consult a paediatrician or sleep specialist for further guidance.

(Neha Singhal is a psychologist at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bengaluru)