We have been living with the impacts of the pandemic for over a year. With things returning to ‘normal’, unpreparedness is a universal feeling. 

After months of sitting cooped up in our houses with limited social interaction, it’s only logical that the prospect of stepping out into the world will inevitably cause immense anxiety. The unfamiliarity of parks, playgrounds, schools and friends’ company can get uncomfortable, especially for kids. 

How Has The Pandemic Affected Children’s Social Skills?

Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, a clinical psychologist and the educational director of the Targeted Parenting Institute, reports how a major life-changing event such as the pandemic and the consecutive lockdowns have affected children’s ability to control frustration, be cooperative and attentive. “The past school year...kids had lost some social skills or emotional self-regulation skills,” says Dr. Koslowitz. 

Children pick up cognitive, emotional, and other vital social skills through socialisation. Forming new friendships, accepting responsibility, staying quiet for the duration of a class, learning to share one’s toys, waiting their turn, talking appropriately in different social settings, or saying “please” and “thank you”— these are all socially developed skills. 

A recent study conducted by Osmo revealed that  71% of parents are worried about potential lockdown-induced learning loss. 

But, children are resilient. 

Yes, the pandemic has made our kids more socially awkward, shy and anxious. However, kids have malleable brains. They can learn to adapt better than any adult. With practice and repetition, children can pick up all those skills that they missed out on. 

You Can Help Your Kids Make Up For Their EQ Loss

Until things change for the better, here are some practices, games and activities that you can do to help your kids sharpen their social skills - 

Practice life skills such as greeting, complementing, following directions, asking before speaking, and waiting their turn with your kids. 

Read together. Choose stories that highlight emotions, social contexts and perspectives. This will help children increase their empathy and learn about the myriad of emotions that exist. While reading, pause to ask, “What did the character feel?” 

To inculcate self-regulation, teach your child controlled breathing, journaling, and positive self-talk. 

The Soft Skills Development course that the House of Soft Skills offers recognizes the core issues that children have faced due to constant lockdowns and isolation. With the help of interactive activities that require active engagement with classmates and teachers, this initiative by HOSS not only boosts kids’ EQ, but also trains them emotionally and mentally to excel in the post-pandemic world.

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