Positive connections with others are so important.
The good news is that you might help your child develop thesesocial skillsand competencies.
They may feel that an interaction with a peer went well, for example, when it did not.
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These skills must be taught directly to your child.
Plus, other kids might misunderstand or misinterpret your child’s behavior.
Lack of attention is sometimes seen as passivity or shyness.
Impulsivity and hyperactivity may be seen as aggressiveness.
Start by focusing on one or two areas your child is struggling with the most.
This helps ensure the learning process doesn’t become too overwhelming.
Shape positive behaviors with immediate rewards.
Structure the playtime so that your child can be most successful.
Think of yourself as your child’s “friendship coach.”
The middle school and high school years can be brutal for a child who struggles socially.
to take a stab at address these reputational effects.
Establish a positive working relationship with your child’s teacher.
Share any strategies you’ve found helpful when working on your child’s areas of weakness.
Young children often look to their teacher when forming social preferences about their peers.
Pairing the child up with a compassionate “buddy” within the classroom can also help facilitate social acceptance.
Social skills training has been criticized for notaffirming neurodiversity.
With the right support and accommodations, kids can forge meaningful social relationships with their peers.
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