GENERAL TIPS TO SHARE WITH YOUR CHILD

• Teach your child to be aware of their personal space and of others and learn not to invade it.

• Practice making and maintaining eye contact during conversations.

• Pay attention during conversations. Don’t let your mind wander or daydream.

• Learn how (and when) to begin and end a conversation politely.

• Try not to monopolize the discussion. Remember, a dialogue is at least two-sided, so allow
  the other person (or people) to speak their mind (or minds).

• Engage in self-monitoring — that is, adapt your behavior to reflect the social situation
  at hand. When you are with friends, feel free to let loose and act more relaxed
  and playful. At school, be attentive and responsive.

• Think twice before speaking to avoid inappropriate comments.

• Patience is a virtue. Allow others to finish speaking before you begin to talk. You wouldn’t
  want someone to interrupt your train of thought, would you?

• Always be courteous — say please and thank you.

Remind your child that practice makes perfect. The more you socialize the more confident you will become in social situations. And, make an effort to praise your child when he or she is being socially proper and is clearly striving to make a change in behavior.