Teaching our kids social skills is part of our job
Some kids are born with high S.Q. (social intelligence). As babies, they smile at every human face. As toddlers they run to give everyone a hug. As school-age children, they find themselves favored by adults and surrounded by friends. They have a gift. They’re comfortable around people and make people feel comfortable around them. The average child, however, needs a little help in developing a good set of social skills.
Some people absolutely love spending time with others, while some actively dislike human company. Most of us are somewhere in between the two extremes.
Introverts, constituting about 50 percent of the population, don’t mind people, but just prefer doing things on their own. Whether it’s learning, reading, doing a craft, studying, developing a career, exercising or whatever, they’re happy to do it on their own. The introvert is satisfied with family relationships and maybe one or two friends.
Nonetheless, all of us need a social network, whether it be large or small. Human beings depend on each other for survival. We require emotional and physical assistance from our friends from time to time. Our lives are enriched by companionship, and we thrive emotionally when securely ensconced in our circle of caring companions. Research confirms that loneliness is bad for our health and our longevity.
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