Do you worry when you see your child sitting alone at recess or never getting invited to playdates? If you've ever felt that knot in your stomach watching your child struggle socially, you're not alone.
I recently had a fascinating conversation with Debbie Steinberg-Kuntz, founder of Bright and Quirky, about supporting children who find it difficult to make and keep friends. What she shared brought me such relief, and I want to pass along these insights to you.
Debbie made a powerful point that changed my perspective: your child doesn't need a soccer team full of friends. They just need "one friend and a spare." This simple concept takes so much pressure off both parents and children. Instead of worrying that your child isn't popular enough, you can focus on helping them cultivate just one or two meaningful connections.
For children who struggle socially—whether due to neurodiversity, anxiety, or simply being more introverted—making friends often feels overwhelming. Many kids, especially those who are bright and quirky, have difficulty reading social cues or knowing how to respond appropriately in social situations.
Debbie shared that for many children, the problem isn't a lack of desire for friendship but rather missing the tools to build connections successfully. She compared conversation to a tennis match—someone serves the ball, the other person returns it. This back-and-forth doesn't come naturally to all children, but it can be practiced and improved over time.
Listen now to our insightful conversation.
To learn more about Debbie Steinberg Kuntz:
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