Build a Sense of Belonging

Children with a sense of belonging are able to make friends, cooperate, and share as well as show compassion toward others. Here are some suggestions for building a sense of belonging:

Help children appreciate the strengths of others.

• Have them share the list of their strengths with family members and classmates.
• Have them make a list of the strengths of others.
• Point out that they are not less worthy when other people do things well.
• Model appreciation by giving compliments

Treat all people with equal respect.

• Let them know that you love (like) and accept them while rejecting inappropriate behavior.
• Empathize (not sympathize) with their feelings.

Accept the beliefs, values, and opinions of others as their point of view.

• Encourage children to do the same.
• Accepting that others have a point of view does not mean that you agree or disagree with that point of view.
• It means that you understand that they have a different point of view.

Emphasize cooperation, not competition.

• Cooperative games let everyone be a winner.
• Don't keep score at all.
• It's not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.
• Teach team members to be supportive of each other.
• Explain their worth is independent of winning or losing in a game or contest.
• Avoid competition between siblings.

Provide games and activities that promote inclusion rather than elimination/exclusion.

• Plan activities that include all family members.
• Use plays and dramatic activities that involve the whole group simultaneously.
• For oral reading, divide the total group into pairs and have the pairs read to each other.
• Organize chores so that family members can work together.

Some fun ideas

• Develop a list of phrases and statements that can be used in social settings.
• Ask your children to help plan a family outing.
• Teach your children some playground games so they can successfully play games with friends.
• Watch a TV sitcom as a family.
• As a family, do kind deeds for someone who may be lonely.
• Find pen pals for your children to write to.
• Frame family photos and hang them in your children's room.