HELPING KIDS MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

when starting school, kids will have to make a first impression with teachers and possibly new classmates. According to Forbes, you only have 27 seconds to make a first impression. A first impression takes just seconds, but making a great first impression is a skill that will help your kids throughout the entirety of their life. Help them navigate initial introductions gracefully and confidently with these tips.

Be approachable

A study by Dollar Shave Club found that 69% of Americans form a first impression of somebody before they even speak. The first step to starting off a good first impression is with a smile. Let your children know a smile makes them look approachable and friendly to other children.

It’s important to teach your kids the difference between positive and negative body language, too. Frowning with your arms crossed, slouching or looking down at the ground can make you seem standoffish and intimidating to other children. Positive body language like a smile, good eye contact, nodding and good posture are all signs of active listening and giving full attention to the conversation.

Be the first to say hello

It’s perfectly normal for kids to be shy and have first-day-of-school jitters, which makes it hard for them to talk to their teacher or other students. This nervousness can cause kids to wait for someone else to make the first move in a conversation. Encourage your child to be the first to speak up and say hi to another student. A quick hello can be the start of a conversation and new friendship. If they’re feeling confident, encourage them to ask the other student’s name and whether they’d like to play.

Have an icebreaker ready

If your child has trouble carrying on a conversation after the initial hello, give some ideas of ways to break the ice. A good back-to-school joke is always a fun way to spark conversation. You could also send lunch box notes with a little joke to make for a fun lunchtime with new friends. Offering compliments is also a great way to break the ice. Simple compliments go a long way to make someone feel comfortable with you. You can also teach your kids to point out similarities. Perhaps both children have the same unicorn backpack and share a passion for unicorns.

Repeat their name

There is nothing worse than when someone introduces himself and you can’t remember his name later. When someone introduces himself, teach your children to repeat his name back to him. Saying, “It’s nice to meet you, ___” is a great way to help remember a new acquaintance’s name and let the person know you are paying attention and care to get to know him better. My college roommate taught me this. Within a day or two it seemed like she knew so many people. I asked her how, and she told me she does her best to remember the name of every single person she meets. She would repeat names back and greet people by name at every following encounter.

Ask questions

Instruct your children to continue the conversation by asking good questions. Remind them a conversation is about two people, not just one. People like to feel that you’re interested in what they have to say. Make sure your kids are asking about the other person’s interests and opinions and not doing all the talking themselves.

Use manners

Good manners are an easy way to make a good impression with not only other classmates, but also teachers. For teachers, it’s proper for your children to address them with their formal courtesy title of Mr., Mrs., Ms. or Dr. Raising your children to respond to their teacher with “Yes, please,” and “No, thank you,” as well as to raise their hand to speak in class can go a long way toward making a good impression. It’s also important to teach children how to properly cover their cough and use good table etiquette at lunch and snack times.

Let them speak for themselves

At a young age, children can be told not to speak to strangers. Though this safety lesson is important, kids also need to know they can speak up for themselves in certain situations. Adults have a tendency to speak for their children without realizing it. Let them use their own voices, even with adults. To get ready for adult conversations, allow children to order their meals in restaurants, tell their doctor what’s wrong and, when you see an acquaintance you know at the grocery store, let them join the conversation. These situations provide good practice for speaking to adults at school such as their teachers or principal.

Model introductions

As the parent do your best to model initial introductions. Show your child how easy it can be to strike up a conversation with someone new by introducing yourself at church, a get-together or to a new neighbor. The more they see you make a first impression, the more comfortable they will feel giving it a try.

Practice

Introducing yourself to new friends is something that can be easily practiced. A great way to practice this skill is at the park. If your child sees someone she would like to play with, encourage her to go introduce herself and ask whether the other child would like to play. Once kids have done this a few times, they will feel empowered and confident to try it on their first day of school.

Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 9, and Ensley, 2, in St. Joseph.

FIRST-DAY ICE BREAKERS

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

What was your favorite thing you did this summer?

What is your favorite thing to do at recess?

What’s your favorite movie?

Do you have any pets?

What’s your favorite color?

What’s your favorite food?

Do you play any sports?