You want your kids to grow up confident and socially aware. In order to help your child develop vital social skills, it is important for them to take part in activities that allow them to learn confidence and how to interact with others. Here are 5 great activities to help your child learn the social skills they need to be successful.

Number 1: Summer Camp

There are hundreds of summer camps available across the country that teach children a myriad of skills. From summer writing camps to wilderness camps there is something out there for every child to lean new skills, make new friends, and learn how to interact with both other kids and adults. These camps can really boost confidence and help children learn how to navigate making friends and solving problems on their own. Summer camps can also teach children great skills that will help them succeed in life such as coping with homesickness, being a leader, surviving in the wilderness, and first aid.

Number 2: Children’s Theater Groups

Theater is all about being social. It teaches kid’s how to be part of a group, how to interact well with others, and how to read social situations more effectively. Children’s theater groups are a great place for kids to break out of their comfort zones, work off extra energy, and most importantly, to form lifelong friendships. Theater also helps children learn effective communication skills, and how to value the differences they find in themselves, and in others.

Number 3: Community Sports Teams

Community sports teams are a great place for children to lean important social skills like working with others, accepting disappointments, sportsmanship, and how to handle conflict. They also boost self-confidence, and can really help your kid’s learn how to work toward their goals. Sports also help children learn how to be responsible, healthy, and active in their social and personal lives.

Number 4: Boys/Girl’s Scouts

Scouts is a great way to help your children learn how to make friends, learn new skills, serve their community, and solve problems. Scouts is a great opportunity for many children who are shy become socially successful; it helps children gain confidence and be good team members.  Boy and girl scouts also help kids learn important skills that will help them become kind, skilled adults who are ready to work with others in their careers.

Number 5: Martial Arts

Martial arts is a wonderful sport that teaches discipline and respect. When children participate in these sports they directly interact with others, learn to control their bodies and their minds, and learn how to have respect for themselves and others. It is a wonderful way for children to learn how to be a good friend, a good team member, and gracious opponent.  Not only do classes like karate, capoeira, kung-fu and taekwondo teach confidence, discipline, and respect but they also teach kids how to respond to bullying in a healthy, non-violent manner. Children who are involved in martial arts learn how to be healthy in both their bodies and their minds.

Being part of a team, or a group of children their age can help your kids connect to others in a way that a school setting cannot provide. These activities are a great way for your children connect to other people, gain confidence, and respond to negativity and conflict in an effective, healthy manner.