Weekly play dates are an ideal way to get your child active and playing with others. Unfortunately, not all children respond well to others, and your idea for a play date could become an embarrassing event if your child can't interact with other kids properly. The way you teach your child at home and the degree in which you socialize your child will have a bearing on his social behavior. Whether he's shy, aggressive or difficult, patience can make your child become more sociable and able to play with other kids properly.
Step 1
Practice the right behavior when you're at home with your child, suggests Family Education. When playing with your child one-on-one, practice sharing by asking if you can play with one of the toys that she has. As a parent, it's your responsibility to teach your child the basics of sharing, caring and kindness. Showing a good example and using proper manners around the home can help your child to instinctively use the right behavior around others.
Step 2
Supervise your child when he's around other children. Ask a trusted friend over for a play date and sit with both children as you watch for common behavioral problems and how your child reacts to them. If your child becomes upset, hits or yells, take him away and give him a time out, suggests the Children's Physician Network. Tell him that when he doesn't play nicely, his friends won't want to play with him.
Step 3
Offer positive discipline when your child interacts with other children properly. Negative discipline shows your child what you don't want her to do, while positive discipline through praise tells her what type of behavior is acceptable. Watch your child play with others and be specific with your praise, such as "Thanks for sharing your toy with Tommy, Jane. It makes him feel happy when you share."
Step 4
Avoid labeling your child as "shy" or "difficult," warns Lifespan. When you give your child a label and he overhears you telling other adults, he believes that his label is the type of behavior you expect and accept from him. It can also sound like a criticism that makes him feel bad about himself, which can lead to acting out.
Step 5
Expose your child to a variety of social situations from a young age. Sometimes what you think of as unacceptable behavior is just practice being around other children. Actively seek out ways to spend time with others, through play dates, children's groups and trips around your community.
