Peer Relationships and Social Skills Development
Helping Children Build Friendships That Feel Safe and Real
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we see how much friendships matter — and how painful it can be when they don’t come easily. For some children, making friends isn’t instinctive. Reading social cues, starting conversations, or handling rejection may feel confusing or overwhelming.
Our psychologists offer kind, practical support to help children strengthen their social confidence and connection. We work with families across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain.
What Are Social Skills — and Why Do They Matter?
Social skills help children:
- Start and maintain conversations
- Read non-verbal cues (tone, facial expressions, space)
- Take turns, share, and cooperate in play or group tasks
- Manage disagreements or rejection
- Understand how their behavior affects others
Children with social challenges may seem shy, intrusive, overly literal, or easily frustrated in groups. Support helps them build relationships in ways that feel natural, not forced.
When Should You Seek Help with Peer Relationships?
Consider support if your child:
- Struggles to make or keep friends
- Doesn’t notice or respond to social cues
- Gets left out of group activities or play
- Feels anxious or awkward around peers
- Has trouble with conflict, teasing, or boundaries
- Is often “too intense” or “too quiet” in social settings
Social skills are teachable, and we help children learn them gently and respectfully.
How We Build Social Confidence at KidsHeart
Our process includes:
- Parent Intake Session: We explore social behavior across settings — school, home, playgrounds.
- Individual Social Coaching: Through role-play, games, and practice, we explore conversations, body language, and empathy.
- Emotion and Cue Recognition Work: Children learn to notice facial expressions, tone, and boundaries.
- Problem-Solving Scenarios: We teach calm responses to teasing, disagreement, or misunderstanding.
- Parent Guidance: We support you in reinforcing social growth at home and school.
We don’t teach “scripts.” We help build real, responsive social confidence.
Why Families Trust KidsHeart
- Psychologists skilled in social development, including for children with ASD or ADHD
- Practical strategies tailored to age and personality
- Positive, non-shaming feedback that encourages growth
- Support across play, classroom, and peer situations
- Locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Al Ain
Because every child deserves the skills — and the self-trust — to belong.
Dr. Dolly Habbal
Consultant Psychologist – PhD in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Deiaaeldin Adel Hosny
Consultant Clinical Psychologist – American Psychology Association & British Psychological Society
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Helping Children Connect — One Friendship, One Conversation at a Time
We also provide a full assessment profile for children to assess their social, personality traits, and skills, with a clinical report and a psychotherapeutic intervention program.
If your child is struggling socially, we’re here to help them feel more comfortable, confident, and connected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes — like any skill, they can be practiced and improved with the right support.
It can be. We focus on quality, not quantity — unless difficulties are causing distress.
We usually begin with one-on-one coaching. Group sessions may be discussed later if helpful.
Yes — we help children navigate teasing, set boundaries, and know when to seek help.
It varies — some children grow quickly, others need more repetition and reassurance.