Importance of Social Groups

As children get older, they become part of a larger social world. Many parents are concerned about the lack of their child’s relationships. These relationships can vary with children, teachers, and other adults.

Indicated below are signs that a child may need some social coaching. Some examples are:

• lacks at least one or two close friends
• poor eye contact
• poor joint attention
• has trouble losing or winning with good sportsmanship
• doesn’t show empathy when others are hurt
• difficulty with problem solving
• acts bossy or insists on his or her own way
• can’t seem to start or even maintain conversation
• uses a louder voice than other children
• unintentionally annoys other children

How can parents help their children develop better social relationships?

Enrolling your child in a social skills group can be beneficial in teaching critical life-long socialization skills. Social groups focus on gaining joint attention, sharing, reciprocal play, non-verbal cues/communication, problem solving, developing an interest in others, increasing eye contact, emotions, sportsmanship, and conversation.