Social relationships play an important role in normal child
development. Children develop their sense of identity and self
esteem through their relationships with others. Parents and
teachers need to be sensitive to signs of anxiety, depression
or low self esteem if a child is struggling to make and
keep friends.
Lack of inhibition, impulsiveness, intolerance, reduced
anger control, poor judgement, a drop in motivation and
insensitivity to others can be issues for some people for varying lengths of time
following a brain injury.
The effects of these behaviours can have an impact on a child's
ability to make friends, and puts them at risk of alienating peers
and others. Sometimes these changes are less visible and
interactions may change in more subtle ways.
Strategies to help
children make and keep friendships
At school
Teachers can:
- let classmates and
friends know of the changes they can expect
before the child returns to school. The rehabilitation team at the hospital can help with this preparation
- organise a 'buddy' system with different
students to help the child with things like getting
to different classes, preparing for the next class/subject, lunch
time/playground activities
- model 'inclusive'
behaviour in the classroom and playground
- change activities
and tasks for the whole class to include the child with the brian
injury
- include, use and encourage activities that promote
social interaction and appropriate social skills into class
time
- ensure the child has
opportunities to rest at school because difficult
behaviour can happen more when the child is tired
- keep in close contact
with parents and deal with any discriminatory or bullying behaviour
immediately if it arises
At home
and in the community
Parents and carers can:
- discuss with your
child their interests, what they would like to do and the sort of
people they might like to meet. Sport and leisure activities,
community centres and groups, specialised social clubs and churches are some of the places where friendships can be fostered
- you may need to help your
child make social arrangements if they have difficulty planning
activities. This may involve inviting friends over to your house,
suggesting activities and helping with supervision
- social skills can be practiced through role plays. For example, you can
practice 'greeting skills', taking turns, listening and
talking, humour, etc.
- inform the
appropriate people about your child's brain injury so they
understand the behaviour and respond appropriately
- give your child time,
patience and help to relearn appropriate social interactions
and social skills
For more information
Developed by The Royal Children's
Hospital Paediatric Rehabilitation Service based on information from the Brain
Injury Service at Westmead Children’s Hospital. We acknowledge the input of RCH
consumers and carers.
Reviewed September 2020.
Kids Health Info is supported by
The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.