Hidden rules, though unspoken, play a crucial role in social interactions. For children with social skill delays, these rules are not always intuitive, making it important for parents and caregivers to actively teach these expectations.
These rules can include behaviors such as knocking on doors before entering, asking permission to use someone's things, or maintaining quiet in places like libraries. These rules may seem obvious to some but can be perplexing for children who do not automatically pick up on social cues.
Teaching hidden rules effectively involves a few key strategies:
At our center, we integrate these teachings into daily activities, providing children with practical applications of hidden rules. Parents can replicate this at home by creating similar structured activities that require the use of these rules, like setting up a pretend library where quiet is necessary.
Understanding and adhering to hidden rules are essential for social success. With patience and practice, your child can learn to navigate these rules more confidently.
If you're struggling with this or other behavioral issues and need more personalized advice, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
At Bristow Center, we're here to support you and your child through every step of their social development.
Talk to Bari Bristow