INTRODUCING CHILD TO FRIENDS

Since many grown ups drink alcohol at parties to quell their fear of being with people, is it strange that your child clams up when you introduce him/her to someone else?  Get down on your knees and think about how different your child’s perspective is than yours. Looking up into eyes that are looking down on you is frightening.

Turn it into a game. “I see my friend, Leslie, coming. I am going to introduce you. When Leslie leaves, tell me what color her eyes are, ok?”  Given a job other than to stand there and feel stupid, the child engages with the adult and may feel more comfortable.  Also, help the child in the introduction, “Leslie, this is my daughter Kathleen. She painted a very cool picture of a tree today.”  Now Leslie has something to say to Kathleen and Kathleen can talk about her tree.

Copyright (C) Sandy Spurgeon McDaniel, 2000