ASK Dr Devi Raj
FRIENDSHIPS AND SOCIAL SKILLS :
10 Questions Parents Ask
"Ask Dr Devi Raj" - Knowledge Hub is a practical psychology knowledge library for parents, adolescents, adults and families looking for clear answers to common emotional, behavioural, developmental and parenting concerns.
Dr. Devi Raj is a Developmental Psychologist, Certified Life Coach and Child Behaviour Specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. At Pranaah Psychological Counselling Centre, she provides evidence-based psychological assessments, parenting guidance, developmental interventions, and emotional wellbeing services for families across Kollam, Karunagappally, Kerala, and through online consultations worldwide.
Disclaimer
This content is intended for general educational information and does not replace individual psychological assessment, diagnosis, medical advice or emergency care.
"Ask Dr Devi Raj" - Knowledge Hub
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BULLYING
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SLEEP
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NRI & EXPATRIATE PARENTING
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NRI ADULT WELLBEING
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MARRIAGE & FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
FRIENDSHIPS AND SOCIAL SKILLS :
10 Questions Parents Ask
“Ask Dr. Devi Raj” is a practical psychology knowledge library for parents, adolescents, adults and families looking for clear answers to common emotional, behavioural, developmental and parenting concerns.
The answers are educational and should not be used as a substitute for individual psychological assessment, diagnosis, medical advice or emergency support.
1. Why does my child have no friends?
Shyness, social anxiety, communication differences, previous rejection or difficulty reading social cues may contribute.
2. Should I worry if my child prefers playing alone?
Not always. Concern increases when the child is lonely, distressed or unable to participate socially when desired.
3. How can parents teach friendship skills?
Practise greetings, turn-taking, sharing, asking to join, handling disagreement and recognising other people's feelings.
4. Why does my child keep losing friends?
Impulsivity, controlling behaviour, poor conflict resolution or difficulty understanding others' perspectives can contribute.
5. Should I choose my child's friends?
Parents can guide and supervise, but children also need opportunities to learn social judgement.
6. Why does my child copy friends?
Imitation can be part of belonging and identity development, particularly during adolescence.
7. Can shy children become socially confident?
Yes. Confidence often improves with gradual exposure, practice and supportive experiences.
8. Why does my child interrupt people?
Impulsivity, excitement or difficulty understanding conversational turn-taking may be involved.
9. Should I force my child to attend parties?
Gentle encouragement is preferable to overwhelming pressure.
10. How can I help my child handle rejection?
Acknowledge the disappointment, avoid attacking the other child and help your child maintain multiple sources of belonging.