02/28/2025
Helping your child develop social skills can feel like a big task, but it’s really just about practice and patience. Think how nervous many adults feel walking into a party where they don’t know anyone. It’s the same for kids—they need opportunities to practice connecting with others, and over time, it gets easier. These skills, like making new friends, joining a group, and resolving conflicts, are learned through experience and guidance.
For kids to enjoy playing with others, they first need to learn how to navigate social situations. How do they join a group of kids already playing? How do they get a friend’s attention? The answer often depends on the situation. If a friend is reading quietly, maybe a gentle tap on the shoulder works. If a group of kids are sprinting across the playground, they’ll need another way to connect. These are all skills you can help them develop.
Younger children naturally focus on themselves, so it’s up to you as a parent to guide them in understanding and considering others’ feelings:
When you’re playing board or card games together and your child cheats, gently point out that while it might be fun to cheat with you, their friends might not want to play if they do the same.
When your child plays with others, step in with gentle suggestions to help them navigate cooperation. Maybe they can take turns being the cashier in pretend store play or alternate roles in a game. Pay attention to what your child does well and where they might struggle. The best way to teach is by doing—when playing with them one-on-one, find ways to help them practice the skills they find most challenging.
Social skills take time and practice to develop, and every child’s journey will look different. Play is a wonderful learning conduit to help them grow these skills in a way that feels natural and fun. Over time, the lessons they learn will shape their ability to build meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.
