Building social skills: How to support your child’s friendships
Image: Primary school-aged children walking down a school corridor, talking.
Encourage playdates
Organise regular playdates with classmates and neighbourhood children. Playdates allow your child to practice social skills in a relaxed and familiar environment.
Model positive behaviour
Children learn by observing adults. Demonstrate positive social interactions, such as active listening, empathy and respectful communication. Your behaviour sets a powerful example for your child.
Teach empathy
Help your child understand and appreciate the feelings of others. Discuss different scenarios and ask how they would feel in someone else’s shoes. Empathy is a critical component of strong social skills.
Role-playing
Use role-playing to practice social situations. Act out common scenarios, such as joining a group at playtime or resolving a disagreement. This can help your child feel more confident in real-life interactions.
Encourage group activities
Involve your child in group activities like sports teams, clubs or group projects. These settings provide natural opportunities for social interaction and teamwork.
Discuss friendship qualities
Talk to your child about what makes a good friend. Discuss qualities like kindness, honesty and reliability. Understanding these traits can help your child build meaningful and lasting friendships.
Provide positive feedback
Praise your child when they demonstrate good social skills, such as sharing, taking turns or showing kindness. Positive reinforcement encourages them to continue these behaviours.
Help with conflict resolution
Teach your child how to handle conflicts calmly and respectfully. Discuss strategies like using ‘I’ statements, taking deep breaths and seeking help from an adult if needed.
Read books about friendship
Share books that highlight the importance of friendship and social skills. Stories can provide valuable lessons and spark discussions about being a good friend.
Create opportunities for social interaction
Encourage your child to participate in community events, family gatherings and other social settings. The more opportunities they have to interact with others, the more their social skills will develop.
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