moments they notice together. Questions like “What do you think he wanted there?” or “Why do you think she stepped away?” help children pay attention to intentions. Pointing out changes in body language or facial expression during a movie keeps the learning grounded and practical. These small interactions allow parents to weave social insight into daily life in a natural, relaxed way. Pre-teen Years Middle school brings a new kind of social world, and many children feel the pressure right away. Friends shift, groups and cliques become more visible, and children often wonder where they fit. A joke that worked the year before might fall flat now because humor becomes more subtle. A child who once felt sure of themselves may begin to worry about saying the wrong thing. Parents help most by talking through group. They also become acutely aware of moments when they feel left out. Some children navigate this easily, while others are unsure how to step into a group or keep a conversation going. This is a stage where a little practice goes a long way. At home, parents can rehearse small social moments through short, realistic scenarios. A child might practice asking a classmate about a hobby or think through how to respond when invited into a game. These simple role-plays offer children a safe space to test out words and actions. They also give parents a natural way to guide tone, eye contact, and pacing. Children at this age also begin to understand more clearly that others have their own thoughts and preferences. Parents can strengthen this awareness through quick, everyday conversations about characters in books, scenes in shows, or small 122 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2026 Young children build early social skills through shared play and simple cooperation. “Young children often express emotions through behavior rather than words.”
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