All kids sometimes struggle with getting along with others, handling their emotions, or communicating effectively. If you're concerned that your child needs to improve their social-emotional skills, here are five signs that they need some help in this area.

1. Your child is having trouble making friends

It's completely natural for children to feel shy or be introverted. Anyone can have difficulty making friends from time to time. But if it seems like your child is struggling more than usual, it could be a sign that they need some help trusting themselves and their peers.

2. Your child has a hard time dealing with anger or sadness

A child who drowns in their negative emotions needs help with becoming more aware of their own thoughts and feelings, as well as those of others. They need deeper insight into how they're acting out their emotions and how there is a better, more intentional way of handling them.

3. Your child is disruptive and has difficulty following rules

Disruptive behavior is often a way for a child to seek attention or feel included in the group. children who have difficulty following rules often need help with self-regulation and communicating their needs. While it's easy to see these behaviors as simply “naughty” or “bad,” it's important to understand that there may be a deeper reason behind them.

4. Your child struggles to understand social cues

Poor social-emotional skills can inhibit a child's ability to initiate or maintain meaningful connections with others. They may have trouble reading body language, tone of voice, or facial expression, and as a result they might misinterpret situations or react inappropriately. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and frustration which may further compound their struggles with socializing.

5. Your child withdraws from social activities

Many social-emotional skills may be lacking from a child who often avoids, refuses or withdraws from social activities. Communication in social activities involves taking turns in conversation. Emotion regulation involves identifying and expressing feelings in an appropriate way. It is important for both maintaining relationships and dealing with stressors. Another important skill they may lack is collaboration - the ability to work together towards a common goal and requires the willingness to cooperate with others.