At our most recent PTO meeting, our School Counselor, Ms. Ayana Collado, shared helpful guidance on how families can support the development of strong social skills at home.
The Big Picture: Social skills are essential for children as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. While challenges with friendships and communication are a normal part of childhood, everyday home experiences provide powerful learning opportunities.
Why It Matters: Strong social skills enable children to build confidence, navigate friendships effectively, and achieve academic success in the classroom. Everyday moments, such as conversations after school, taking turns during family meals, playing games in the car, or working through routines like chores and bedtime, naturally reinforce listening, problem-solving, and kindness. Children also learn by observing the adults around them. Modeling patience, respectful language, and flexible thinking has a lasting impact.
“Social skills aren’t taught in one big moment. They’re built quietly through everyday conversations, shared routines, and how we show up for our kids.” -Ms. Ayana Collado, School Counselor
The Bottom Line: When friendship issues come up, staying calm and curious helps kids reflect, try new strategies, and learn when to work things out on their own versus when adults need to step in. By partnering together, we can help our children develop the social skills they need to thrive!