Is a Social Skills Group Right for My Child? 5 Signs to Look For

Introduction: Helping Kids Build Confidence and Connection

As children grow, learning how to connect with others is just as important as learning how to read or solve math problems. But for some kids, social interactions can feel confusing or intimidating. They might struggle to make friends, misread social cues, or avoid group activities altogether. It is not that they do not want to connect, but rather that they do not know how.

Social skills groups can make a meaningful difference. Led by licensed therapists, these small, structured groups help children practice communication, emotional awareness, and problem-solving in a supportive environment. For families in Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, Bay Ridge, and South Slope, joining a local social skills group can be a powerful step toward helping kids thrive socially and emotionally.

1. Your Child Has Trouble Making or Keeping Friends

If your child often plays alone, has frequent conflicts with peers, or seems unsure how to join group activities, it may be a sign they need more guided practice in social interaction.

In a social skills group, children learn how to start conversations, take turns, share interests, and navigate disagreements within a safe, encouraging setting. Therapists model positive communication, helping kids understand not only what to say but also how to say it.

2. Emotional Regulation Is a Challenge

Children who struggle to manage frustration, disappointment, or anxiety often find social settings particularly hard.

Social skills groups teach emotional regulation in real time. Kids practice identifying feelings, calming their bodies, and expressing themselves appropriately. Over time, these skills translate into greater confidence, better friendships, and fewer behavioral outbursts both at home and in school.

3. Your Child Feels Overwhelmed in Group Settings

Birthday parties, team sports, and classroom projects can all be overwhelming for children who have difficulty reading social cues.

In a social skills group, therapists gradually build comfort through predictable routines and guided social play. Children practice interacting in small, manageable groups before tackling larger or more unpredictable situations. This gradual exposure helps them feel more at ease and capable in real-world settings.

4. Communication Skills Need Strengthening

If your child has trouble expressing needs, understanding tone, or recognizing when someone is joking versus serious, they may benefit from structured social learning.

Social skills groups use role-playing, games, and storytelling to teach perspective-taking and nonverbal communication. Kids learn to notice facial expressions, interpret emotions, and respond in kind. These skills build empathy and connection that carry into school, home, and community life.

5. Teachers or Caregivers Have Raised Concerns

If educators or caregivers mention social challenges, it is worth exploring whether your child could benefit from additional support.

Social skills groups reinforce what children are learning in school while giving them a smaller, safer space to practice and build confidence.

The Benefits of Social Skills Groups

When kids participate in social skills groups, parents often notice big improvements in confidence and happiness. Key benefits include:

• Improved self-awareness and empathy

• Better communication and listening

• Stronger emotional regulation

• Positive peer connections

• Increased comfort in social settings

What to Expect at Ridge Psychological

At Ridge Psychological, our social skills groups are small, interactive, and guided by licensed therapists who specialize in child development. Sessions include games, role-plays, and cooperative tasks that make learning feel natural and fun.

We tailor groups to developmental stages, ensuring kids are surrounded by peers with similar needs and strengths. Parents receive feedback after each session to help reinforce new skills at home.

Conclusion: Building Social Confidence Step by Step

If your child struggles to connect, communicate, or manage emotions in social settings, a social skills group may be exactly what they need to build confidence and connection.

For families in Brooklyn, including Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, Bay Ridge, and South Slope, Ridge Psychological offers supportive, evidence-based social skills groups designed to help children thrive both socially and emotionally.