Your child is growing up in a complex social world. Every child wants to feel accepted, to have friends, and to know they belong—but those skills don’t come automatically.

The good news is that children learn how to build healthy relationships over time—with your support. When kids feel secure at home, they have a strong foundation. From there, they can learn how to handle friendships, conflicts, and the ups and downs of social life.

You might notice your child:

• Struggling to make or keep friends
• Feeling left out or easily hurt
• Getting into conflicts with peers or siblings
• Not knowing how to speak up or handle social situations

Below, you’ll find guidance for each age—so you can support your child in building the social skills they need, step by step.