Social Competence"
Does your child struggle to make friends?
Does your child make friends easier with adults and/or younger children?
Does your child isolate him or herself?
Does your child have intense crying spells or go into periods of rage for little or no reason?
Your child may need to develop and strengthen their social competence skills in order to help them manage their social anxiety.
What is social competence?
Social competence is the ability to engage in positive interactions with peers, siblings, parents and other adults.
Describe a time where you were in a new environment and you felt like you did not fit in.
Social competence is:
- An infant copying adult sounds, eye movement and smiles
- The close personal relationship or attachment that develops between the primary caregiver(s)
- Learning how to assess peer norms, values and expectations
- Learning caring, sharing, and cooperation
- Learning how to negotiate classroom activities
- Setting boundaries and making friends
Some children are better at socializing then others. It is there genetic temperament, which means it probably won’t change much as they grow older.
Unfortunately, children are thrust into situations where they are expected to be able to socialize with their peers. Without the right social skills to get by in those types of situations, your child may end up frustrated, miserable, anxious and even angry.
Even though socialization may not come easily to your child, it does not mean that your child can’t be taught some basic social skills to get by in social situations.
How can you help?
- Recognize temperament and set the child up for success
- Strengthen relationship bonds
- Teach children how to socialize
… CALL OR E-MAIL US NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION!