Teaching the Art of Using a Social Filter: Helping Our Kids Shine in Every Conversation (Part 1)
Let's talk about something crucial – our kids' social skills and the art of knowing what to share and when to share it. For kids and teens dealing with ADHD and ASD, it might be a bit trickier to grasp the idea of a 'social filter.' We've got some friendly strategies to help our kids communicate effectively and avoid unintentional oversharing.
Understanding Social Filters:
Let's Chat About Filters: Imagine social filters like a handy mental checkpoint. They help our kids decide what's good to share and when to keep it under wraps, depending on where they are and who they are with.
Different Places, Different Rules: It's like having a secret code for each place. What they share with buddies might not be cool at school or the park. We're giving them the superpower of adjusting their talk based on where they are.
Practical Strategies:
Role Play: Ready for some fun? Let’s role play! Role playing real life situations helps our kids practice saying the right things at the right time. It's like a rehearsal for real life social scenes.
Visual and Verbal Cues: Visual and verbal cues are aids that nudge our kids to think before they speak. Little reminders like "Is this too personal?" can guide them to stop and think before they speak.
Self-Awareness and Reflection:
Let's Be Thoughtful: How about a little reflection time? After a chat or an activity, we can ask our kids what they shared and if it felt right. It's like planting a little seed of self-awareness.
Stop and Think Magic Trick: Here’s a magic trick – the "Stop and Think" move. Before they spill the beans, a quick pause helps them decide if it's a good idea. Thoughtful communication at its best!
Building Empathy:
Understanding Others: We're on a mission to teach our kids to see things from others' perspectives. It's like putting on someone else's shoes and understanding how they might feel about what’s being said.
Chat About Social Norms: Let's decode the unwritten rules of conversation – the social norms. Together, we can explore what's cool to share and what might make others feel a bit uneasy.
Communication Tools:
Start with Safe Topics: How about starting with 'safe topics'? Neutral subjects can be like a warm-up before diving into more personal stuff. It’s like testing the waters before taking a swim.
Create Social Stories: Get ready for some storytelling! Crafting stories about what's cool and what's not in different situations makes learning about social filters like an adventure.
Collaborate with Educators and Peers:
Tag, You’re It: Try teaming up with your kids' teachers to help reinforce these social skills in school. Consistency is the key to making it stick, and having a team makes the learning journey more fun.
High-Fives for Positive Peers: Encourage positive friendships and feedback. When our kids understand and respect the social filters of others, they're on their way to becoming fantastic communicators!
Summing it up:
Helping our kids master their social filters isn't just about communication—it's about building their confidence and making every interaction a positive one. With these friendly strategies, we can guide our youngsters towards being thoughtful conversationalists, ready to shine in any social setting.
Remember, social skills can’t be developed in a day. Sprinkle some patience, understanding, and a whole lot of encouragement on this journey. Together, we're helping our kids become the social butterflies they're meant to be! 🌟
Part 2 of this post will discuss the relationship between executive function and social filters.
