Ask the Experts: How Can I Support my Child's Social Skills Development?

My 4-year-old sometimes struggles to make friends and feels left out. What can I do to help my child improve their social skills?

Answer:

Social skills are crucial at this age, and it's common for children to be learning how to navigate friendships. Here are a few tips to help support your child’s social growth:

• Model Positive Social Behaviors: Children learn by observing adults. Be sure to model sharing, taking turns, and expressing emotions in healthy ways. When your child sees these behaviors in action, they’ll better understand how to replicate them.

• Encourage Playdates: Structured playdates with peers can be an excellent opportunity to practice social skills in a more controlled setting. Keep these playdates short and stress-free, allowing your child to gradually build their confidence.

• Praise Efforts, Not Just Outcomes: Compliment your child for trying to interact with others, even if things don’t go as planned. Focus on their efforts to socialize rather than just the results.

  
  

With gentle encouragement and practice, your child will learn how to form positive connections with their peers!

References: 

Berk, L. E. (2013). Child development (9th ed.). Pearson Education.

Denham, S. A., & Brown, C. (2019). Social and emotional learning and early school success.

L. R. Lasky & M. F. Atkins (Eds.), Social and emotional learning in early childhood: A review of the literature (pp. 45-65). Springer.