HELPING KIDS MAKE A
GOOD
FIRST IMPRESSION
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hen starting school, kids will have to make a first impression with teachers and possibly new classmates. According to Forbes, you only have 27 seconds to make a first impression. A first impression takes just seconds, but making a great first impression is a skill that will help your kids throughout the entirety of their life. Help them navigate initial introductions gracefully and confidently with these tips.
student. A quick hello can be the start of a conversation and new friendship. If they’re feeling confident, encourage them to ask the other student’s name and whether they’d like to play.
body language like a smile, good eye contact, nodding and good posture are all signs of active listening and giving full attention to the conversation.
If your child has trouble carrying on a conversation after the initial hello, give some ideas of ways to break the ice. A good back-to-school joke is always a fun way to spark conversation. You could also send lunch box notes with a little joke to make for a fun lunchtime with new friends. Offering compliments is also a great way to break the ice. Simple compliments go a long way to make someone feel comfortable with you. You can also teach your kids to point out similarities. Perhaps both children have the same unicorn backpack and share a passion for unicorns.
Be approachable A study by Dollar Shave Club found that 69% of Americans form a first impression of somebody before they even speak. The first step to starting off a good first impression is with a smile. Let your children know a smile makes them look approachable and friendly to other children. It’s important to teach your kids the difference between positive and negative body language, too. Frowning with your arms crossed, slouching or looking down at the ground can make you seem standoffish and intimidating to other children. Positive
44 august 2023
kcparent.com
Be the first to say hello It’s perfectly normal for kids to be shy and have first-day-of-school jitters, which makes it hard for them to talk to their teacher or other students. This nervousness can cause kids to wait for someone else to make the first move in a conversation. Encourage your child to be the first to speak up and say hi to another
Have an icebreaker ready