教孩子学好社交 快乐拜年

^{Source: Lianhe Zaobao © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.}

Chinese New Year can be an overwhelming time for children when families go visiting. The article below from Lianhe Zaobao provides advice by Ms Vivyan Chee, Deputy Director and Head of Oasis for Minds Services, on how parents can help their children to prepare and cope with social situations during festive periods.

Some of these advice include understanding how the child feels about such social situations, laying out expectations of desired behaviours and practicising them with the child.

When witnessing children being scolded harshly or punished, bystanders are encouraged to consider the child’s best interests first. Bystanders can respectfully approach the parent to ask if they need a break or help. At the same time, we should also extend kindness and compassion to these parents as they are already doing their best.

Apart from parenting tips, the article shared findings from the physical discipline study done by the Society and Yale-NUS College. Not only are children unlikely to learn from their mistakes, physical discipline could also bring about negative effects on a child’s well-being.

Ms Chee advised that parents should adopt more positive parenting methods, and to adjust them based on a child’s age and needs. It is also important that parents manage their own emotions and expectations as well.

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