Parent-teacher conferences can feel a little like speed dating. You have a short window to ask questions, hear how the school year is going, and figure out what your child needs.

Academics understandably take up much of that conversation. But there’s another part of your child’s school day worth asking about: their social life.

Does your child have people they enjoy spending time with? Do other kids welcome them into groups? Is recess a chance to have fun, or is it something they dread?

In this week’s video, I share six things to ask about at your next conference:

1. Your child’s demeanor in the classroom. Do they seem comfortable and engaged? Are they connecting with other kids?
2. How group work is going. Are peers including them, and what happens when they work together?
3. Impulsivity or sensory needs. Are interruptions, personal space, or other challenges affecting interactions?
4. Keeping communication open. Let the teacher know you welcome honest feedback about your child’s social experiences throughout the year.
5. Whether friendships are forming. Is there back-and-forth conversation, shared laughter, and interest from both sides?
6. What happens at recess. Does your child have someone to play with? If the teacher doesn’t supervise recess, who could offer that perspective?

Watch: 6 Social Questions to Ask at Parent-Teacher Conferences

You don’t have to fit everything into one meeting. If academics fill the appointment, send a follow-up email or request another time to talk about friendships and social connections.

Having a clearer picture can help you and the school work together to support your child.

If the conversation leaves you wondering whether your child could use more support with making and keeping friends, we’re happy to talk. At Simply Social Kids, our expert coaches help kids and teens practice social skills through activities, play, and coaching as interactions happen.

We begin with a phone intake to learn about your child and determine whether our program could be a good fit. From there, we can schedule a free trial.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Warmly,

Nadine

Simply Be Social™



Our first Simply Be Social^TM sold out, so we are offering it again on October 23rd.

Simply Be Social^TM gives teens a place to hang out, talk, laugh, and spend time with other teens in a welcoming environment. There's no formal lesson. It's a chance to socialize naturally with support from our staff when needed.

Simply Be Social™ is a group social experience. Participants need to be able to safely and independently participate in a group setting. We are not able to provide 1:1 support.

Friday, October 23

7:00 - 9:00 PM

Ages 13-17

$25

Simply Social Kids

Social Skills Coaching

CEO, Nadine Briggs