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Discover effective strategies for overcoming playground politics among children aged 5-12 years, by nurturing skills with our practical and playful online course. Led by Dr. Kimberley O'Brien, Principal Child Psychologist at Quirky Kid, this course offers techniques for parents to implement immediately.
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Welcome to our insightful journey into understanding and navigating playground politics with confidence!
In this first chapter, we'll dive deep into social conflict in childhood. Playground politics can often be a puzzling and challenging experience for children. We'll define this behaviour and explore the profound impact it can have on children’s self esteem. Using the case study of Mia, Dr Kimberley explains the risks of ongoing social conflict.
One of the most intriguing aspects of playground politics is the subtle tensions within a social hierarchy. These unwritten rules can trigger conflicts, making it vital for us to grasp the dynamics at play. From her experience working in a juvenile detention centre, Kimberley shares valuable insights from observing how new boys navigated their way into peer groups. Observations and subtlety can pave the way for respect and acceptance among peers.
The similarities between school playgrounds and detention centres are surprising, especially when a lack of stimulation adds to the challenges. However, we'll uncover effective strategies, like lunchtime clubs and structured activities, that help dissolve these social issues by increasing stimulation. Additionally, we'll explore how educators' can mediate and foster more positive student interactions.
Get ready to explore practical and playful techniques that can effectively resolve playground conflicts! But first - Remember to foster social success by starting with short 15 minute play dates in a local park to help children gain confidence with new friends.
In this chapter, we'll introduce "The Reveal" technique, designed to bridge the gaps between children with a history of conflict. By seating them side by side and using butcher's paper and a big book as creative dividers, children are encouraged to express their shared interests. This technique could be introduced when children are practising play dates to increase the structure of home-based social opportunities. Witness the magic unfold as children find common ground and learn what areas they need to work on as friends.
Another engaging technique demonstrated in this chapter is the "Playground Scene". Here, we'll cut out characters representing the children and their friends, to create a vibrant playground setting. This exercise enables children to look at their social challenges from a new perspective. It gives them the confidence to make changes in theory to test out all the options available before deciding on their preferred course of action. We lay the foundations for lasting positive transformations by actively encouraging expression - Often, children’s actions speak louder than words, so be a silent observer while children are engaged in play.
Incorporating role-playing, the next creative approach draws on parent-child engagement to put ideas into action. Using play and humour, children are more likely to share their feelings, and this leads to more innovative approaches to problem-solving.
This final chapter focuses on building resilient social bonds to create lasting positive change and deeper friendships. By working together with educators, parent and psychologists are able to make more significant progress in supporting young people overcome playground politics.
As part of the fieldwork, we recommend parents schedule time with their child's favourite teacher to observe social dynamics in the playground. This outside perspective offers a comprehensive understanding of the child's interactions and aids in assessing potential areas for growth and improvement. Weekly feedback from educators is best recorded by parents to better understand any patterns emerging throughout the school year. This also serves as a useful record to discuss any ongoing issues with the school principal when data is more helpful than emotional reactivity.
Throughout this journey, we emphasise that setbacks are entirely normal and are part of the learning process. Rest assured, and Quirky Kid offers expert support to ensure parents are respected by school personnel in the process of navigating for their child.
The BriteChild platform is specifically used to bring teachers, parents and psychologists together to foster the psychological wellbeing of children at school. Together, we can brainstorm and prioritise strategies to empower young people learning how to advocate for themselve as they mature.
Advocating or asking for help is often a confronting prospect for children who are already navigating complex social dynamics in the playground. Many educators encourage children to solve their own social conflict, yet for many children this feels like rejection when they’re seeking support. Enrol now and embark on this transformative adventure with Dr Kimberley on her mission to create more inclusive playgrounds full of fun and reliable resources.
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