Communication Skills Kids Need to Learn

Filed in archive Kids' Stuff , Parenting on July 1, 2010

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We adults, all know it. Manners are important if we expect our children to succeed in the future. Yet many college students, for example, will show up in formal school discussions wearing bare midriffs. The same students will also send emails to the public relations officer without even the courtesy of a "please," or "thank you." They neglect the handshakes, formal introductions and follow ups after classes.

There's really an increasing need to teach basic social skills to kids. Now we're not referring here to teaching kids about high tea or fancy manners. All we really need to talk to them about are the basic handshake, proper greetings and simple phone etiquette when talking with friends.

We also need to have kids develop good social skills when sending text messages, posting on Facebook and writing email.
There's also a need to pay attention to limiting kids' use of expressions such as "um," and "ya know."

Kids also need to learn about appropriate dress attire, a firm handshake, a relaxed smile and maintaining direct eye contact as these are all important aspects of a good job interview. This can be done by giving them plenty of opportunities to practice with a mature experienced adult employee.