Being the New Kid in Low-Stakes Settings: Building Social Integration Skills in Children
Last Wednesday, I enrolled my 8-year-old in a new library reading program. As we walked in, she clutched my hand tightly, looking around at the group of children who had clearly been attending for weeks. “I don’t know anyone,” she whispered nervously. Instead of immediately stepping in to help her connect, I remembered our family’s commitment to the Life-Ready approach. I encouraged her to introduce herself and find a seat. The look of anxiety mixed with determination on her face told me we had a perfect opportunity to practice being the new kid in a low-stakes environment. ...