Heightening social awareness in children

Social awareness, it sounds like a big thing. Just the sound of it makes you think that responsibility and maturity are the basic requirements of being socially aware, but truth is, children can get involved in it too. Children are important members of society, and they have a lot to give, so why not let them do their part? After all, it builds character.

To encourage our children to be more socially aware, as parents, we should get them involved in activities that can broaden their knowledge about the world. There are a lot of activities and causes that kids can get involved in, and they don’t require lots of time or money. In fact, you can do it all in the comfort of your own home. 

Here are three ideas on how to heighten social awareness in children that you can try out:

Write a note Encourage your child to write a note or card to someone they know who could use a bit of encouragement, like a friend at school, a neighbour or a family member. It could be something as simple as “Hope you have a great day!” Everyone likes to receive cards and handwritten notes, it makes them feel remembered. This exercise helps to teach children that they should think about others, and that they can do something nice for someone just because. 

Flier power Animals have rights, too, and kids can help save animals, one flier at a time. Let your child pick an animal that he/she likes, for example, a turtle. Then, help your child to do some research online and then design a flier on the computer. The flier can spread the word about how people in the neighbourhood shouldn’t use plastic bags because they end up in the oceans, and when turtles eat them, they can fall sick or die.  Help pass the fliers out to your neighbors, and be sure to ask for permission before posting them in public places, such as malls or schools.

A good read According to Larsen Professor Robert Selman, author of “The Promotion of Social Awareness: Powerful Lessons from the Partnership of Developmental Theory and Classroom Practice,” children can learn to understand and effectively evaluate social situations from good children’s books. He says, “Good children's literature not only raises moral dilemmas, but also generates the feelings that are associated with situations where moral conflict and confusion exists.” By taking the time to read these books with their children, parents can help guide children in their attempts to make socially responsible decisions. 

There is a lot a child can do to make the world a better place to live in, and it is up to us to help them discover the possibilities. Professor Selman reminds us that ethic-building activities are crucial not just in childhood, but throughout a person’s life. He says, “Social competence and character development are not fully achieved by ages five or ten; they are lifelong learning experiences.” 


* Adline A. Ghani is an assistant museum curator tandem mummy who resides in Petaling Jaya. This multi-tasker is also pursuing her Masters in Art and Design.

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