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Help Your School-Age Child Develop Social Skills

Table of Contents


Overview

Most school-age children enjoy new friendships. Making friends and being accepted are important.

School is a place where children are put in difficult social situations. At times, parents cringe at the degree to which children try to fit in and are often saddened by their children's many ups and downs. Parents often see children's interactions as cruel, and they can be. But through these encounters, children learn some of the basic social skills needed to be competent adults. Be prepared for the changing nature of friendships in this age group, and do not exaggerate the importance of the rough periods.

There is no one easy formula for teaching social skills. People learn through watching parents, friends, and others interact over a lifetime. Although bullying or abusive behavior should be addressed, parents should be sensitive about when to get involved and try to let children work out issues on their own.

Here are some skills that will help your child become more socially competent:

Around age 9, many children successfully form close friendships. Forming these relationships helps children develop sensitivity to the feelings of others.


Credits for Help Your School-Age Child Develop Social Skills

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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