Play, Social Skills & Making Friends
Play is the foundation of childhood development. Through play, children learn how to share, take turns, communicate, solve problems, and build relationships. It is not only fun – it is essential for developing social and emotional skills that support success in school and everyday life.
The Link Between Play and Social Skills
Play provides children with opportunities to:
Practise communication – expressing needs, listening, and responding to others.
Develop emotional understanding – recognising feelings in themselves and others.
Learn cooperation – sharing, taking turns, and working towards a common goal.
Build confidence – trying new roles, games, and ideas in a safe environment.
Solve problems – negotiating rules, resolving conflicts, and adapting to change.
Stages of Play Development
Children move through different stages as their play and social skills mature:
Solitary play (0–2 years): playing alone, exploring toys and surroundings.
Parallel play (2–3 years): playing alongside others without much interaction.
Associative play (3–4 years): beginning to share and interact during play.
Cooperative play (4+ years): working together with shared goals and rules.
Signs a Child May Need Extra Support with Social Play
Preferring to always play alone.
Finding it difficult to join in group activities.
Trouble sharing or taking turns.
Struggling to understand social rules or personal space.
Becoming upset easily during play with others.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
An occupational therapist can:
Support the development of age-appropriate play and social skills.
Use play-based activities to encourage cooperation, communication, and problem solving.
Provide strategies to help children join in group activities more confidently.
Work with families and schools to create supportive environments for building friendships.
Supporting Play and Friendships at Home
Parents and caregivers can encourage social skill development through:
Modelling turn-taking games (e.g., board games, rolling a ball back and forth).
Arranging small playdates to practise sharing and cooperative play in a safe space.
Role play games to act out social situations like “going to the shop” or “playing school.”
Encouraging empathy by talking about how characters in books or shows might feel.
Balancing structured and unstructured play to allow creativity and problem solving.
When to Seek Support
If challenges with play or social interactions are affecting your child’s ability to build friendships, participate in group activities, or feel confident around peers, occupational therapy may provide helpful strategies and support.
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