January/February 2026 HAWAII PARENT 121 game. Parents help most when they slow down and talk through these moments. Young children often express emotions through behavior rather than words. When a child comes home upset or overstimulated, the most effective response is to pause, stay calm, and create space for the child to describe what happened. Parents who notice small cues and invite the child to talk help them feel safe enough to share their story, even if it comes out slowly. As the child explains what happened, parents can gently link the moment to the social ideas involved. If the child felt left out, parents can talk about how to tell when a group is open to someone new. If the child misread a tone or facial expression, parents can point out subtle cues that signal what another child may have felt. Helping the child slow down and think about these cues strengthens their awareness for future interactions. Elementary Years By the time children reach elementary school, friendships matter in a deeper way. They pay more attention to fairness, shared rules, and the expectations of a
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