Play and Social Skills
Play and Social Skills: Helping your child build connections
As a parent, witnessing your child grapple with making friends or finding enjoyment in play can be incredibly tough. We recognise the challenges children face in developing social connections and navigating play and we're here to support parents and children through the journey of building friendships, developing social skills, and embracing the joy of play.
Why Social Skills Matter
Social skills are the building blocks of relationships. They allow us to connect with others, share experiences, and form bonds that enrich our lives. When children struggle with social skills, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Our team is committed to helping children overcome these obstacles, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
Developing Play Skills
Play is more than just fun and games; it's an essential part of a child's development. Through play, children learn to communicate, cooperate, and navigate social dynamics.
If your child has difficulty engaging in play or doesn't know how to interact with peers, it can affect their ability to make friends and build meaningful relationships.
• Interpreting Social Cues: Recognizing body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice is essential for effective communication. Role-playing and noticing/identifying these cues can enhance social understanding.
• Promoting Cooperation: Guide children through activities that emphasize sharing, turn-taking, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Encouraging Independent Play: Developing the ability to play independently is as crucial as playing with others. Supporting children to feel confident to engage in solo activities, fostering imagination and self-reliance may require adult support initially.
Facilitating Social Connections
Making friends can be particularly challenging for children with developmental differences, including initiating conversations, maintaining friendships, and resolving conflicts. Create a supportive environment where children can explore various social scenarios and gain confidence in their interactions.
• Group Activities: Some children benefit from structured group activities, where they can share space and resource with peers, and particularly where the theme of the group links into their interests.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital for building relationships. Focus on listening, asking questions, and expressing thoughts clearly. Link with Speech Pathologist as needed.
• Problem-Solving in Social Situations: Navigating social interactions and resolving conflicts constructively involves helping children to problem solve, use flexible thinking and notice/manage their emotions.
