Kids often learn best from modeling, or watching others perform a specific behavior, skill, or task. With the rise of the internet and social media, kids have quickly adapted to learning by watching peers or adults online. On second thought, it’s safe to say that adults have adjusted pretty well too. My wife would happily share how I learned to fix our garbage disposal by watching a lesson on YouTube.
We probably shouldn’t be surprised then to learn that the internet is also full of short videos of kids, coaches, and parents demonstrating good behaviors, positive social skills, coping strategies, and more. Next time your child is struggling to learn a particular social-emotional skill, see if you can find a helpful video on YouTube or elsewhere online. Before jumping in, be sure to review your internet safety settings and preview any videos before allowing your child to watch.
Follow these easy steps to make this a fun and rewarding activity that can help improve your child’s social and emotional wellness:
- Make it quick and exciting — Find a short, fun video that focuses on a skill your child needs to practice. Watch the video (or specific clip) together and then practice the new skill.
- Keep it positive — Make this a safe activity that is free of judgement and punishment. Encourage your child to practice and make mistakes. Ask your child questions, share your feelings, and practice the new skill with your child.
- Practice makes perfect — Like any skill, it is unlikely that your child will learn a new behavior or social skill after one try. Find opportunities to practice the new skill together. For example, if you watched a video about how to share, remind your daughter how to practice when playing with her siblings.
Here are a few examples to get you started:
Remember to keep practicing with your child, give praise often, and to stay positive!
