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Friends & Socializing
Learn about common social challenges for kids, guidance for those who need extra social support, and the benefits and risks of social media.
Friends & Socializing Resources for Parents
All kids run into friendship challenges from time to time. Some may need guidance on dealing with day-to-day conflict or responding to bullying. Others may have underlying issues that affect their ability to make and keep friends — like anxiety, ADHD, autism, social communication disorder, or depression. These kids may benefit from some extra help learning social skills. And of course, modern parents need to consider social media — both its potential for connection and its risks.
Common Friendship Challenges
Even in friendships, navigating social events like sleepovers can still feel overwhelming. Here’s how to help kids meet some common friendship challenges with confidence.
Teaching Social Skills
Even kids who are naturally outgoing need the right tools to navigate friendships and social situations. Help kids learn important skills like effectively dealing with conflict and understanding other people’s boundaries.
Social Media
Social media can foster connection, but it also has the potential to cause harm. Here is guidance on setting boundaries, combating self-doubt, and keeping kids safe online.
Bullying
The unfortunate truth is that most kids will be exposed to bullying, as a victim or a witness. Give your child the tools to recognize bullying and know where to turn if they experience it or see it happening. And if your child is the bully, we offer tips on what might be behind it, and what you can do.
Social Anxiety
Children with social anxiety aren’t just shy — they experience intense worry about embarrassing themselves or being judged negatively by others.
Communication Disorders
Children with social communication disorder have difficulty with what’s called pragmatics, or using language effectively in social situations. And kids with nonverbal learning disorder can have a hard time recognizing nonverbal cues or picking up on social norms. They often benefit from direct instruction to learn specific social skills.
Social Challenges of Kids with Learning and Mental Health Disorders
Some mental health and learning disorders come with unique social challenges. Here’s how to help
Friendship & Socializing
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