Don’t despair; there are opportunities, even in these times, to help children learn social skills at home (that don’t require much from you; parental burnout is real!). Children of all ages learn social skills through play. Unstructured, imaginative play, such as making mud pies for younger kids or creating videos and writing songs for teens, builds skills that help children self-manage, self-advocate, and cope with disappointment and complex emotions. During sibling squabbles, when children make unkind comments, point out the hot emotions. When tempers have cooled, draw attention and talk to him about the importance of recognizing others’ emotional experience. Don’t preach; rather help him to step into the shoes of his peer by asking reflective questions. How do you think Alex feels? Why did he react that way? What did his facial expressions tell you about his feelings? Collaboratively and quickly talk to him when his behavior is rude or lacks empathy. Ask him to interpret how his behavior made you feel, How do you think I felt when you corrected me? What were your intentions?
