Supporting your child’s social development in school
Image: Three primary school-age pupils walking down a school corridor together.
Encourage positive communication at home
Good social skills begin at home and children who feel heard and understood by their parents are more likely to develop empathy and effective communication skills.
Practise active listening
Give your child your full attention when they’re speaking. This shows that their thoughts and feelings matter.
Teach them to express emotions
Encourage them to name and talk about their feelings, whether it’s excitement, anger or nervousness. This builds emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Model respectful conversation
Children often mirror adult behaviour. Show kindness, patience, and good manners in your own interactions.
Help your child make and maintain friendships
Friendships are a vital part of school life, but not all children find them easy to build.
Talk about what makes a good friend
Discuss qualities like kindness, sharing, and honesty.
Role-play social situations
Practise how to join in a game, introduce themselves or handle disagreements.
Encourage playdates
Giving children the chance to socialise outside of school can strengthen bonds and improve their confidence in group settings.
If your child is shy or anxious about socialising, start small, perhaps by inviting one classmate over for a short visit.
Support conflict resolution skills
Disagreements are a normal part of growing up. What matters is how children learn to deal with them.
Don’t rush to fix everything
When your child has a problem with a friend, ask open-ended questions like, “What happened?” or “How did that make you feel?” This helps them process the situation and consider different perspectives.
Teach them to use ‘I’ statements
For example, “I felt upset when you didn’t include me,” rather than placing blame.
Encourage empathy
Ask, “How do you think the other person felt?” This builds compassion and understanding.
If needed, liaise with teachers or support staff, who can provide additional guidance or help mediate at school.
Foster a sense of belonging
Feeling part of a community helps children feel secure and supported at school.
Get involved with school life
Attend events, read newsletters, and stay in touch with teachers.
Celebrate diversity and inclusion
Teach your child to respect differences and be open to friendships with classmates from all backgrounds.
Praise positive social behaviour
Acknowledge when your child shows kindness, shares, or supports others, it reinforces those behaviours.
Supporting your child’s social development is about giving them the tools to connect, communicate, and cope with challenges. Through open conversations, encouragement, and real-world practice, you help your child grow into a confident, caring individual who thrives both in and out of the classroom.
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A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health, yet it is often overlooked. With the pressures of school, social relationships, and the digital world, children today face a range of challenges that can impact their emotional wellbeing. -
Building social skills: How to support your child’s friendships
28 February 2025Strong social skills are essential for primary school children navigating friendships and social interactions. Here are some effective strategies to support your child in building and maintaining healthy friendships.
