Being a team player isn’t just an important trait for the playing field. Children who are team players show increased levels of problem solving, communication, cooperation, listening, self-esteem, and leadership. The teamwork skills children learn from being team players will help them perform better in school, in team sports, on the playground, in the workplace, and throughout adulthood. Check out these ways you can encourage cooperation in kids.
- Promote teamwork at home. Once children are old enough to contribute, assign them with household chores and explain to them that keeping the household running takes teamwork and cooperation.
- Get them involved in the kitchen. Getting children involved in the cooking of a family meal can help them understand that it takes every person’s help to ensure that the meal is made successfully.
- Provide leadership opportunities. Allow your child to lead an activity at home or on the playground. This will provide them with the confidence they need to be both a leader and a team player.
- Volunteer as a family. Volunteering not only teaches your child about the importance of giving back to those in need, it also helps to promote teamwork and can increase family bonds! Volunteer at a local soup kitchen, food pantry, or animal organization. Visit volunteermatch.org to find an opportunity in your local community!
- Let them choose. Giving children the option to choose will help them feel more in control with what is happening. This can be as simple as choosing which shoes to wear in the morning or which cup to use at breakfast. This helps children grow communication skills which are vital for teamwork.
- Enroll in programs that promote teamwork. Organized programs like The Little Gym involve team building activities for kids and help to develop and promote the value of working in a team and cooperation in kids!
