Social skills are the everyday tools children use to join play, share, take turns, read cues, solve small problems, and ask for help. They are more than developmental milestones - they are essential life skills that allow children to enjoy one of the most important parts of childhood: playing and connecting with friends, siblings, and others at school, at home, and in the community.
These skills grow best in warm, predictable environments where children feel safe to try, make mistakes, and try again. At Integral Occupational Therapy, our occupational therapists understand how central social skills are to a child’s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
Let’s take a closer look at what social skills look like in everyday life, and how families and occupational therapy can gently support them to grow.
What social skills look like in everyday life
🥇Joining in: Watching first, then asking “Can I play?” or finding a role in the game.
🥇Sharing and turn-taking: Waiting, swapping, and using simple scripts like “Your turn, then mine.”
🥇Reading cues: Noticing voices, faces, and body language to guide choices.
🥇Problem-solving: Using calm words to fix small bumps, such as “Let’s pick a new game.”
🥇Help-seeking: Asking a teacher or peer when something feels tricky.
These moments happen many times a day: on the playground, in the classroom, and at home. And they form the foundation of healthy relationships.
How parents can help
You don’t need special tools. Small, everyday moments are powerful.
Play alongside first, then together
Begin by doing similar activities next to each other, then gently invite your child to join in, such as stacking blocks together or drawing one picture as a team.
Model simple, kind words
Practise short phrases your child can use, such as “Can I join?” or “Your turn, then mine.” Keeping them brief makes them easier to remember in the moment.
Notice the effort
Comment on the try, not just the outcome. “I saw you wait for your turn. That was thoughtful.” Warm, specific feedback builds confidence and encourages your child to keep practising.
How occupational therapy can help
Children’s occupational therapy (paediatric OT) focuses on developing social skills in ways that feel safe, playful, and achievable. Rather than “telling” children what to do, occupational therapists create real experiences where skills are practised in the moment.
An OT may:
âś… Use structured play to practise waiting, sharing, and flexible thinking
âś… Introduce social maps for situations like joining a game, lining up, or asking for help
âś… Create personalised scripts for your child, such as what to say when a game changes or when they feel left out
âś… Practise body cues and zones
âś… Rehearse tricky moments through guided role-play
Therapy sessions are designed to feel successful. Skills are broken into tiny steps so children can experience “I can do this” moments again and again. These successes then carry into the playground, classroom, and home routines.
Sounds familiar?
If your child finds it hard to join in, take turns, or connect with peers, you’re not alone. And support is available!
At Integral Occupational Therapy, we support children to build confidence, connection, and everyday social skills through warm, play-based therapy.
Reach out to book an appointment or learn more about how children’s occupational therapy can support your child’s social development.
Contact us on 0431 631 526 or info@integralrehab.com.au to learn how we can support.
Make a referral - https://www.integralrehab.com.au/make-a-referral/
