Raising a socially successful child Teaching kids the nonverbal language they need to communicate, connect, and thrive

To be "socially successful," children need to master nonverbal communication. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially after pandemic-caused isolation. Fortunately, parents can help their kids learn to interpret facial expressions, take turns in conversation, respect personal spaces, and touch appropriately. Psychologist Nowicki updates readers on recent research and data, including how anxiety and depression in kids dramatically increased during COVID-19. He addresses two big challenges, an online culture that "deprioritizes face-to-face interaction" and the effects of pandemic-induced solitude during pivotal years of development. Nowicki gives parents, caregivers, and educators tools and encouragement, noting that nonverbal communication is a teachable skill. For example, a four-year-old "space invader" who moved too close to his peers learned to change his ways thanks to a four-foot-diameter taped boundary that made a more acceptable distance visible to him. The tips can also help adults. An example: speakers are more engaging when they use their hands to express themselves and when they stand straight with their arms loosely at their sides rather than clasped in front of their bodies. Urgently needed, informative, and useful.

Why do so many kids have problems with social interaction? A clinical psychologist unravels the issues. In the past few years, Nowicki writes, he has seen a marked increase in the number of young children struggling to connect with others, which leads to problems in adolescence and later life. His research revealed that the children had difficulties with nonverbal communication, and the main reason was the countless hours they spent staring at screens. A related issue was the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with lockdowns, masks, and social distancing depriving children of the opportunity to acquire those nonverbal skills; online classes simply did not provide the necessary social interaction. Children learn much of their nonverbal communication at a young age, and the author devotes several chapters to showing how it works. Taking turns, reading facial expressions and body language, understanding the rhythm of conversation, and respecting the boundaries of personal space are essential in building relationships, and these lessons are absorbed rather than consciously learned. Now, writes Nowicki, parents will have to devote time to deliberately teaching nonverbal communication to their children, sometimes with illustrative cases and anecdotes. The author, who has written multiple books on parenting, including Teaching Your Child the Language of Social Success and Starting Kids Off Right, provides sections of practical guidance in each chapter, noting that children are usually eager to learn. Parents must also be aware that children learn from watching them, so they should think carefully about their own actions in front of them. Interacting with your kids through play, talk, and reading will help to put them on the right track. The author recommends that parents take them for a walk to the park or playground and leave the phone at home. Sound advice for teaching children about building enjoyable, positive, and meaningful relationships. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.