Specific stories to improve children's social skills

Lots of kids lack necessary social skills. Sometimes they are just too shy, sometimes they want to play with other kids but they don't know how to approach them, and sometimes they don't understand the behavior codes and social structures.

Parents often notice that their kids struggle in the social arena. This is one of the most upsetting thing for parents, who obviously want their children to have friends and be socially succesful. The good news is that a lot can be done to change this situation.

Social skills are like any other skill, they vary from one person to another. Some people have more of it, they are the "naturals", the ones that "were born with it" that will probably become excellent networkers as adults.
For those who weren't as blessed, there are teaching and practicing techniques that can improve social skills.

A lot of knowledge in that area was accumulated during research of children with all kinds of special needs.
One of the recommendations that professionals who work with children with special needs, is to write a social story that simulates a realistic situation that is relevant for each child. The story should be read  to/with the child every time before that situation occures.

A good example is a play date. The story should describe the child who hosts the play date, the child comes over, things that they are going to do together and potential solutions for problematic situations.

After reading the story, the event happens under the supervision of an adult (a parent or a professional) that teaches whatever needs to be taught, in real time.

A lot of repetitions and practice is needed, but in the end results are seen.

My message to you is:
If you think that your child is facing some social challenges,  don't give up! 
There is so much that can be done in order to improve the situation.
If you decide to use the story method I mentioned above, using Batalugu is a great way to write and illustrate a personal story that exactly fits your child's specific needs. You can either use it online or order a professional looking hard copy of the book.

So, tell a tale (and use it to improve your life),
Dorit Rosen
Founder
http://batalugu.com

Birthday parties, baby bouncers and (e)books

Just got back from a birthday party of a 4 years old girl, and, I am still overwhelmed.
The family hired a well known entertainer, who tried to provide as many attractions as she could within 90 minuets.

Birthday parties, as many other things in our lives, have become a well planned, overly budgeted production.
Every party must have a theme (preferably something to do with super heroes, TV  or movie characters). Each detail, from the invitations to the favor bags, must be related to this theme. Sound systems, sophisticated  costumes and effects are a very common sight in very young children's birthday parties.

The kids get used to an extreme level of excitement, sometimes much higher than their capacity, and once the level was set as a standard, it is very difficult to go back.

Parents that would rather have a qualitative, quieter, self made party, are afraid that their kids will be disappointed, and find themselves surrender to the social pressure.

Interesting enough, I find a lot of similarities to the process we witness regarding kids and reading.

The kids are getting used to extreme levels of  stimulation from the moment they are born.
Electric swings for babies with colorful lights, moving objects and music, vibrating baby bouncers with the same entertainment systems as the swings, fancy electric toys and so on and so on.

If you are a parent, a grandparent an uncle or an aunt - you know it very well. If you are not related to kids, you will not be able to miss it when time comes (and you are probably not reading my blog right now...).

Don't get me wrong, those things are great. I am embarrassed to admit how many times I used them when my children couldn't fall asleep, or when I wanted some quiet moments for myself.

It doesn't get better as they grow up and get older.The level of excitement grows up as well. At this point it is very difficult to convince them that a book is a great way of entertainment.

It is certainly not easy, but there are several ways to overcome this obstacle. For example:

• Education and habit - If you read a book to your kids every evening before bed time, since they are babies, hopefully, they will have good memories and grow up with passion for book.
• Combination - If you combine devices that are known as high excitement generators (such as a computer, an iPad etc.,) with the content you want, you can at least control what you get them to read.
  Using Batalugu's platform to create books is an excellent way to combine both worlds.

Tell an exciting tail,
Dorit Rosen
Founder
http://batalugu.com