Encourage Them to Show Appreciation for Their Friends
Ever tried to get your kid to say 'thank you' without sounding like a malfunctioning gratitude robot? Welcome to the appreciation rodeo, where every awkward high-five and misspelled note counts. If you’ve ever wondered whether your child even notices their friends (besides Minecraft alliances), this one’s for you. Spoiler: it’s less about Hallmark moments, more about surviving the social jungle gym with everyone’s feelings intact.
Expressing appreciation boosts oxytocin (the warm-and-fuzzy brain juice) for both the giver and the receiver. For kids, it builds empathy, strengthens social bonds, and lays down those sweet neural pathways for future healthy relationships. For parents, watching your kid actually thank someone can momentarily erase memories of stepping on Legos at 2am.
How to do it
Start by modeling gratitude—let your child overhear you thanking your own friends. Aim to sound genuinely grateful, not forced or overly dramatic.
Make appreciation low-pressure. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture:
- A simple high-five
- A quick doodle
- Even a goofy text message
After playdates, gently prompt your child by asking, "What’s something cool your friend did today?" Keep the conversation casual and relaxed, avoiding any sense of interrogation.
Remember:
- Awkwardness is normal when kids are learning new social skills.
- Bribery is optional; encouragement works just as well.
- Even a half-hearted "thanks for sharing your slime" is a step in the right direction.
