By Maria Miller, LPC
Parents often wonder how to help their children develop strong social skills in an increasingly digital world. The good news is that one of the most effective tools is already part of your child’s daily life: play. Through intentional play experiences, children learn crucial skills like sharing, turn-taking, and emotional regulation that form the foundation of healthy relationships.
The key lies in creating opportunities for meaningful social interaction during playtime. When children engage in imaginative play with others, they naturally practice perspective-taking and empathy. They learn to negotiate roles, resolve conflicts, and adapt to others’ ideas – all while having fun. These skills transfer directly to real-world social situations, helping children build confidence in their ability to connect with peers.
Here are some practical ways to enhance your child’s social development through play:
First, set up regular playdates with a small group of children, allowing them to practice social skills in a comfortable environment.
Second, join in their play occasionally, modeling positive social behaviors like active listening and compromising.
Third, create opportunities for cooperative play where children need to work together to achieve a goal, such as building a fort or completing a puzzle.
Fourth, help them process social interactions afterward by discussing what went well and brainstorming solutions for any challenges they encountered.
Ready to take your child’s social skill development to the next level? Join our innovative LEGO Social Skills Groups! Meeting weekly in two age-appropriate sections (ages 5-8 and 9-13), children work together on exciting building projects while naturally developing crucial social skills. Through structured collaboration and creative problem-solving, participants learn teamwork, communication, and friendship-building in a fun, supportive environment. Space is limited to ensure individual attention – click here to secure your child’s spot in this unique program where social growth and play come together naturally.
