Social Skills for Preschoolers: Helping Your Child Build Meaningful Friendships Using the PEERS Protocol

Meet Charlotte, a bright and creative 4-year-old girl from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Excited to make new friends this school year, Charlotte faces challenges typical for many preschoolers, especially those with a recent diagnosis of autism—specifically, high-functioning or Level 1 autism. This means that while she is capable of communicating and engaging with others, she may struggle with social cues, understanding the nuances of play, and adapting to changes in her routine. As a result, Charlotte often finds it difficult to connect with her peers in the way she desires, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation as she navigates her social world. She struggles with joining groups, taking turns, and going along with her peers' ideas during playtime. 

If you find yourself relating to Charlotte's story, you’re not alone. Parents all over Alabama--Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa, to name a few—as well as those as close as Atlanta and Nashville to all corners of the country--are concerned about their children developing essential social skills and forming lasting friendships. If you are reading this post, then you are probably like Charlotte’s parents: willing to do just about anything to help your child thrive.

Why Social Skills Matter

Social skills are critical for young children as they navigate their preschool environment. These skills not only foster positive interactions but also lay the groundwork for lifelong relationships and personal development. Here’s a closer look at the importance of social skills and the potential consequences of not achieving them:

Connecting with Others

Making friends is a fundamental aspect of childhood development. When children successfully connect with their peers, they experience several benefits:

• Boosting Confidence: Forming friendships can significantly enhance a child's self-esteem and confidence. Engaging with peers allows children to feel valued and accepted, promoting a sense of belonging. Children who struggle to connect with their peers may feel lonely and isolated, which can negatively impact their emotional well-being.
• Enhancing Learning Experiences: Positive peer relationships often lead to collaborative learning opportunities, where children can share ideas, solve problems together, and learn from one another.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions while also empathizing with others. This skill is crucial in fostering healthy relationships:

• Understanding Emotions: Children who develop emotional intelligence are better equipped to identify their feelings and those of their peers. This understanding helps them respond appropriately in social situations. Children lacking emotional intelligence may struggle to form and maintain friendships, leading to frustration and misunderstandings.
• Building Healthy Relationships: Emotional intelligence supports effective conflict resolution, allowing children to navigate disagreements constructively and maintain friendships. Without the tools to manage their emotions, children might react with aggression or choose to withdraw, further isolating themselves and creating barriers to social engagement.

Enhancing Communication

Effective communication skills are essential for expressing needs, desires, and feelings clearly and assertively. Strong communication lays the foundation for successful interactions:

• Expressing Needs and Desires: Children who can communicate effectively are more likely to advocate for themselves, whether it’s asking for help or expressing discomfort in a situation. Children who struggle with communication can face frequent misunderstandings, leading to frustration both for themselves and their peers.
• Engaging in Group Activities: Good communication facilitates participation in group activities, enabling children to share their thoughts and collaborate with others. : Poor communication skills can hinder a child's ability to connect with others, resulting in missed opportunities for friendship and support.

By emphasizing the importance of social skills in preschool, we can better understand their role in shaping children's emotional and social development. Fostering these skills not only enhances a child's immediate interactions but also prepares them for future success in various aspects of life.

For parents, supporting their child’s social development can be daunting, especially when faced with additional challenges. Fortunately, there’s a program designed specifically for families like yours!

Introducing the PEERS for Preschoolers Program

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS) for Preschoolers is an evidence-based social skills treatment program tailored for young children who struggle with social interactions and friendships. Developed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, this internationally recognized program is utilized in over 35 countries and has proven successful in helping children build essential social skills.

Meet Dr. Kathleen Ramsey!

At Upward Behavioral Health, we are thrilled to introduce Dr. Kathleen Ramsey, a licensed child clinical psychologist with certification in PEERS for Preschoolers. As one of the few certified providers in Alabama, Dr. Ramsey is dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children. Her passion for helping families navigate the complexities of social interactions shines through in her approach.

What’s Included in the PEERS for Preschoolers Parent Coaching Groups?

When you enroll in our PEERS for Preschoolers Parent Coaching Groups, you can expect the following:

• 16 Weeks of Live Parent Coaching: Participate in 90-minute virtual sessions with a certified provider.
• Connection with Other Parents: Join a community of parents facing similar challenges, sharing experiences and support.
• Weekly Video Reviews: Receive personalized feedback on your social coaching skills to enhance your learning.
• Access to Valuable Resources: Gain access to video examples, handouts, and step-by-step prompts to support your child’s social interactions.

Become Your Child’s Most Helpful Coach

Our program focuses on teaching parents how to help their children develop essential social skills, including:

• Playing Successfully with Others: Techniques for initiating and maintaining play.
• Following Directions and Listening: Strategies to enhance attention and understanding.
• Saying Hello and Meeting New Friends: Tips for initiating conversations and introductions.
• Sharing and Taking Turns: Encouraging cooperation and fairness during play.
• Asking Friends to Play: Empowering children to take the initiative in social situations.
• Joining in Ongoing Play: Methods for smoothly entering existing play scenarios.
• Keeping Cool During Play: Coping strategies for managing emotions in group settings.
• Being a Good Sport: Instilling attitudes of sportsmanship and kindness.
• Moving On to New Games: Encouraging flexibility and adaptability in play.
• Asking for and Offering Help: Promoting collaboration and support among peers.
• Using Volume Control: Teaching appropriate communication volume in different settings.
• Respecting Personal Space: Understanding boundaries and physical space in interactions.

Is Your Family a Good Fit for This Program?

To determine if the PEERS for Preschoolers program is right for you, consider the following criteria:

• Your Child’s Age: The program targets children aged 4-6 years old who can use short phrases or sentences and follow simple directions.
• No Formal Diagnoses Required: While many participants are children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the program is open to all.
• Parent Participation: At least one parent or caregiver should be able to attend weekly sessions and practice skills learned in the group for continuity.
• Living in a PSYPACT State: Families residing in PSYPACT states, including Alabama, are eligible.

Enroll Today!

The next round of PEERS for Preschoolers is tentatively scheduled to begin in Spring of 2026, and spaces are available! If you’re interested in learning more about this transformative program, please reach out to us at:

• This link, which allows you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call
• Phone: (205) 983-4063
• Email: info@upwardbehavioralhealth.com