Regardless of how we define or describe social skills, they undoubtedly play a key role in how we deal with the social world. They have a huge impact on our entire lives - from choosing friends, to choosing a life partner, to our careers. Social Skills Training (TUS) enables good interpersonal functioning, overcoming challenges such as communication, overcoming conflicts, and problem solving.
Importance of TUS for Child Development
The Foundation of Social Interaction: TUS enables children making friends, resolving conflicts or cooperating with others. Without social skills, children may face difficulties in these areas.
Preparing for Life in Society: By developing social skills through TUS, children prepare themselves to function successfully in the future. This influences their independence, self-confidence and success in different spheres of life.
Safety in the Peer Environment: The social skills acquired through TUS allow the child to function safely among peers, developing empathy, cooperation and conflict resolution skills.
Support in the development of social skills
Family and carers are often the first support in developing these skills. However, sometimes a specialised approach is needed, such as Social Skills Training (TUS), especially when the child has difficulties in dealing with emotions or adapting to social norms.
What does Social Skills Training (TUS) include?
Personal development:
TUS helps children to understand themselves and their emotions, and teaches them how to express them in a healthy and productive way. Children learn empathy, which is the ability to understand and empathise with the emotions of others.
Adapting to change:
In today's world, full of constant change and new challenges, adaptability and flexibility are key. TUS reinforces these aspects by teaching children how to cope with uncertainty and change.
Collaboration and teamwork:
Through TUS, children learn how to work effectively in a group, which is essential in many aspects of life, both personal and professional.
Dealing with conflicts:
The skills acquired through TUS help children to constructive conflict resolutionwhich is important both at school and in future professional life.
Self-regulation:
TUS teaches children how to control their behaviour and reactions, which is key to building healthy relationships with others.
How can parents and carers support the development of social skills in children?
Be a good role model: Children learn by observation. Parents and caregivers who demonstrate healthy social skills naturally pass on these values to their children.
Create opportunities for social interaction: Encouraging children to participate in group activities, team sports or peer groups.
Conversations and reflections: Regular conversations with children about their social experiences, feelings and thoughts help to develop their communication skills and empathy.
Social Skills Training - The Foundation for Children's Success
Let us remember that by supporting development of children's social skills through Social Skills Training, we place the foundations for their future success and satisfaction with life, both personally and professionally. TUS is a key tool in this process, providing children with the necessary tools to cope with an increasingly complex social world. If you have any questions or are unsure if this is the right path for your child - please feel free to contact!
Ewelina Romanowska
special educator, TUS trainer
