If You’re A Parent Of A Socially Awkward Kid, Here Are 10 Ways To Help Them Socialize

Socializing well comes naturally to some but not so easily to others. Your child or teen might be “that awkward kid” — the one who avoids direct eye contact, hesitates to initiate a conversation, or desperately relies on one friend.

Is your kid introverted, socially awkward, or socially anxious?

Being introverted is not the same as being socially awkward. Introverts may relish their alone time and may be seen as alert and observant. They do not typically get shamed or bullied by others. 

If you’re the parent of a socially awkward kid, here are 10 ways to help them socialize.

1. Intervene early.

Keep an eye out for how your child interacts with others in a variety of settings. You may not notice anything at home but perhaps on the playground or with neighbors, you may be able to pinpoint areas of potential concern.

If you notice a problem, the best thing you can do is talk to your child and try to understand their perspective. Be curious, use open-ended questions, and work collaboratively on solutions.

2. Build basic skills for getting along.

Include your kid in social occasions, holidays, events, and dinners.

Have them Social Spy to guess what other people are feeling.

3. Collaborate.

It’s not their fault that social situations end up painful. Don’t nag, but work collaboratively to build skills. Practice taking little steps and encourage them every step of the way to build up their self-confidence.

Consider breaking down the steps to making a friend a simple process of connecting with another person. This can help demystify the process and make it less intimidating and less complicated.