Causes
A socially rejected child can be identified by behaviors such as withdrawal, anxiety or aggression. These behaviors can serve as the result or the cause of social rejection. Most often, these behaviors can give rise to a vicious cycle in which initial rejection can lead to aggression but this aggression then leads to prolonged rejection and withdrawal. At times, physical or mental disabilities like ADHD, autism, social anxiety and OCDs can lead to unusual behaviors which can lead to rejection. At times, these behaviors may simply be observed because a person belongs to a different culture or ethnicity.
How to avoid rejection
In order to help your child avoid rejection, it is important to find out and ascertain the reason behind your child’s rejection. Helping your child to get rid of a habit or a behavior that might lead to rejection is the best way to avoid social rejection. If your child faces a linguistic or cultural barrier in the society, you should help teach it the common language. In case your child has habits such as nose picking, thumb sucking, bragging excessively or interrupting, it is important to help them get rid of these habits so that it can make way for social acceptance.
Overcome rejection
Avoiding rejection may help your child but in case your child has already been socially rejected, it is important for you to help it overcome the rejection. First and foremost, it is important to identify the behavioral patterns that are causing rejection. It is equally important for your child to become aware of these patterns so that it can see for itself. Working with your child on its strengths and helping it strengthen its positive behavioral patterns, interests and potential friendships. Asking your child to share, answer questions and talk about topics of common interest and make sure you appreciate it whenever you see a positive behavioral pattern being exhibited. Lastly, it is very important to validate your child’s feelings. Listen to it when it is feeling rejected and make sure you are there for it always. These steps may help your child overcome rejection.
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