In today’s digital age, the majority of our young generation’s communication is based on email, text, and social media and less on in-person communication. While texting and social media may be convenient and sometimes easier, it lacks real social interaction. It can be difficult for them to convey, read and interpret the intention and tone in a text or Facebook post.  As a result, youth today struggle with resolving conflict, peer interaction, developing genuine friendships, and personal communication.  These superpowers are also known as “social skills”.

Social skills are one of the most important contributing factors to success and are essential in personal and professional relationships.  They are important for not only school, but eventually career goals, and will help with the skills needed for interviewing and securing a job.  

 Social skills are the ways we communicate with others daily and include verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual communication.  Verbal skills involve the way we speak (spoken language) and non-verbal communication included body language, facial expressions, and eye contact.  

 Any time we interact with others, we are using a form of social skills during that interaction.  Social skills are important because they help us to communicate more effectively and efficiently.  They help us to build relationships with others. 

 “ When a person struggles with social skills, it can impact several areas in a person’s life.  Social skills not only affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively, but they also influence relationships and cooperation with others and affect their performance at school or at work.”

 Self-awareness also directly impacts a person’s social skills.  A person needs to be aware of his or her own verbal and non-verbal communication and be able to self-monitor based on the audience at the time. 

For example, a person interviewing for a job will need to monitor and adjust the conversation appropriately compared to talking with friends.  The body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice should be professional when interacting with the potential employer versus when interacting with friends at a casual restaurant.  The way a person presents himself or herself is part of social skills and will make direct impressions that may influence the hiring decision.  Social skills can impact a person’s ability to develop and maintain friendships and influence self-esteem and opinions about themselves.

Social skills classes can help address many of these areas by helping your child recognize his or her unique strengths and weaknesses while learning the rules of social communications.  They provide real-life opportunities to practice these skills with peers.  

The benefits of a social skills class may include helping your child to:  

·       Demonstrate better communication skills

·       Be able to read non-verbal communication

·       Be more self-aware regarding non-verbal and verbal communication (tone of voice, body language, etc.)

·       Be able to resolve conflict more easily and confidently

·       Be more confident in oneself

Social skills encompass a wide range of skills that play an important role in a child's life. We often offer social skills classes in a group setting, as well as individually throughout the year. If you need help for your child in this area, please feel free to contact us with questions or to schedule an appointment.

Kathleen Yopp, MOT, OTR/L is the owner of Helping Hands Therapy and a Pediatric Occupational Therapist who has been working with children for almost 20 years.