Cathi Cohen, LCSW www.insteppc.comDirector of In Step 703-876-8480

www.insteppc.com

Happiness is …. Friendship

MOST KIDS have skills

Super Social SkillsDeveloping Social Skills

Good Social Skills

Peer Group and Social Status

Accepted• Friendly• Cheerful• Helpful• Follow the rules

• Cooperate in groups• Competent• Sense of humor• Go with the flow

Rejected• Aggressive• Attention seeking• Easily angered• Overly sensitive• Inconsiderate• Rule breaking• Silly

• Join groups impulsively

• Reactive to perceived threats

• Interpret behavior inaccurately

• Exhibit enduring traits that elicit rejection

Neglect• Withdrawn• Shy• Insecure• Anxious

• Traits that elicit neglect are not automatically enduring• Remain on the

periphery

Which Came First? The Chicken or the Egg

Self-awareness

Effortless problem solving

Excellent eye contact

Good listening skills Reads social

signals

Manages emotions

Self-confidence

Goes with the flow

Child with a

High Social IQ

Obstacles to Friendship

Getting Started

Joining In

Communicating and Conversing

Reading Social Signals

Raising Self-Esteem

Coping with Teasing

Managing Stress

Solving Social Problems

Resolving Conflicts

Managing Anger

Putting It All Together

You are your child’s

Friendship Coach

Parental Influence on Social Functioning

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning

Friendship Skill #1

Good Eye Contact

Eyes are the Window to the Soul

Eyes are the Window to the Soul

Friendship Skill #2

Communication and Conversation

The strongest oak of the forest is not the one that is protected from the storm and hidden from the sun. It’s the one that stands in the open where it is compelled to struggle for its existence against the winds and rains and the scorching sun. –Napoleon Hill

Conversation is like a game of catch…

Listening, not imitation, may be the sincerest form of flattery. Dr. Joyce Brothers

Friendship Skill #3

Reading Social Signals

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.Bonnie Jean Wasmund

Get Help When……

You can’t make a friend without being a friend.