Helping Your Teen Build Social Awareness

Social awareness—the ability to recognize and respond to the feelings and perspectives of others—is a key skill for building strong relationships. But for many kids, especially those with ADHD and learning differences, picking up on social cues and understanding how their actions affect others doesn’t always come naturally. The good news? You can help your child develop this skill with a little intentional guidance and plenty of practice.

Model Empathy in Everyday Moments

Kids learn by watching us. Modeling positive behavior is one of the most effective ways to teach social awareness, as highlighted in Be Strong International’s article linked below. When parents and educators demonstrate empathy, patience, and thoughtful communication, children learn to mirror those behaviors in their own interactions. When you notice someone having a tough time, talk about it out loud:

“That cashier looks really busy—let’s be extra patient.”

“Your friend seemed upset when they left. What do you think might help them feel better?”

These small moments add up, showing kids how to consider others’ feelings and respond with kindness.

Use Stories & Role-Playing

Reading books about emotions or acting out different social situations can help kids practice without pressure. Try asking:

“What would you do if a friend wasn’t sharing?” 

“How could you help if someone looked sad?”

Practicing different responses gives them tools to use in real-life situations.

Ask Perspective-Taking Questions

Encourage your child to think about situations from another person’s point of view:

“How would you feel if that happened to you?”

“Why do you think your friend reacted that way?”

Helping kids pause and reflect makes a big difference in their social growth.

Create Opportunities for Social Growth

Kids need real-life experiences to strengthen social awareness. Encourage playdates, team activities, or community events where they can practice taking turns, resolving conflicts, and reading social cues.

At WeThrive Learning, our educational therapists specialize in helping teens develop social awareness through personalized, strength-based support. We use evidence-based strategies such as social scripts, role-playing, and real-life problem-solving to help students recognize emotions, interpret social cues, and respond appropriately in different situations. By creating a supportive, judgment-free space, we empower students to build confidence in their social interactions and strengthen their ability to connect with peers, teachers, and family members.  

Social awareness takes time, but with encouragement, practice, and a little patience, your child can develop the skills to build meaningful friendships and navigate social situations with confidence.

Be Strong International. (n.d.). Model the behavior you’d like to see in your child. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://www.bestrongintl.org/programs/model-the-behavior-youd-like-to-see-in-your-child/