Six in 10 parents would rather their children grew up with strong social skills than high academic qualifications. A study of 2,000 mums and dads of children, aged three-10, found 90 per cent consider empathy to be a key social attribute that their offspring should develop.
Another 40 per cent believe understanding their own behaviour - and its consequences - is something children should learn, while a third think it is important to be a good listener.
Other skills parents are keen for their children to develop include understanding other people's points of view and being good at co-operating.
However, it also emerged that almost three quarters are concerned about how the coronavirus pandemic might affect their child's social skills and
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