07/29/2025
Social Skills Group for Ages 11–13 | Support from a Therapist & Educator
Is your child between the ages of 11 and 13 struggling with social interactions, communication, or emotional regulation? Do they find it challenging to make friends, navigate peer pressure, or express themselves clearly? You’re not alone—and neither are they.
Our Social Skills Group for pr***ens (ages 11–13) provides a warm, structured, and supportive space for children to develop and practice essential social and emotional skills. What makes this group truly unique is that it’s co-led by a licensed therapist and a professional educator, combining the power of mental health expertise with classroom-based social learning.
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Why Are Social Skills Important at Ages 11–13?
Ages 11–13 represent a critical developmental window. Preteens are transitioning from childhood into adolescence, and the expectations around social and emotional maturity increase significantly. Middle school is often a time when kids face:
• Increased social pressure
• Changes in friendships and group dynamics
• Academic stress
• Identity development
• Emotional ups and downs
For many children, this can feel overwhelming. They may want to make friends but lack the tools or confidence. Others may misread social cues, struggle with group work, or respond impulsively during conflict. Without proper support, these challenges can affect their self-esteem, academic performance, and overall well-being.
That’s why a structured social skills group can make such a powerful difference. It helps children feel seen, understood, and equipped to handle the complex world of peer relationships.
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Who Is This Group For?
This group is ideal for children ages 11 to 13 who:
• Have difficulty initiating or maintaining friendships
• Experience social anxiety or shyness
• Struggle with reading body language or understanding social cues
• React strongly to teasing or peer conflict
• Have challenges with teamwork or group projects
• Feel left out or isolated at school
• Need extra support navigating middle school dynamics
Each child is welcomed exactly as they are. Our inclusive approach ensures that every participant feels safe, respected, and empowered to grow.
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What Makes Our Social Skills Group Different?
👩⚕️ Co-Led by a Therapist and an Educator
Your child benefits from the combined expertise of a licensed mental health therapist and an experienced educator. This dual approach offers the best of both worlds: clinical insight and school-based strategies that work in real life.
• The therapist helps kids process emotions, understand behaviors, and learn coping skills.
• The educator models age-appropriate communication, reinforces group routines, and helps children generalize skills to classroom and academic settings.
Together, we provide a consistent, trauma-informed, and strengths-based environment tailored to the needs of middle schoolers.
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Group Goals & Focus Areas
Our curriculum is grounded in evidence-based practices from social-emotional learning (SEL), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and developmental psychology. Key focus areas include:
✅ Friendship Skills
• How to start conversations
• Understanding nonverbal cues
• Joining and exiting group activities
• Handling peer rejection or teasing
✅ Communication Skills
• Active listening
• Assertive (not aggressive or passive) speech
• Asking for help
• Expressing opinions respectfully
✅ Emotional Regulation
• Naming and identifying emotions
• Understanding emotional triggers
• Coping strategies for anxiety, anger, and frustration
• Mindfulness and self-calming techniques
✅ Conflict Resolution
• Problem-solving in peer disputes
• How to apologize and repair relationships
• De-escalation strategies
• Boundary setting
✅ Self-Esteem & Confidence
• Positive self-talk
• Celebrating individual strengths
• Practicing gratitude and self-reflection
• Learning how to advocate for oneself
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What Happens in a Session?
Each group session is interactive, fun, and thoughtfully structured to keep tweens engaged while learning. A typical 60–75 minute session may include:
1. Welcome & Check-In
• Icebreakers, emotion check-ins, or short mindfulness activity
2. Skill-Building Lesson
• Brief lesson on the week’s social-emotional theme (e.g., “Making New Friends”)
3. Interactive Activities
• Role-play, team games, collaborative challenges, or creative projects that reinforce the skill
4. Group Discussion
• Reflecting on what was learned, sharing experiences, and peer encouragement
5. Take-Home Practice
• Optional activities or discussion prompts for parents to reinforce skills at home
We maintain a low facilitator-to-student ratio to ensure each participant receives personalized support and encouragement.
Benefits for Your Child
• Improved communication and social confidence
• Greater self-awareness and emotional control
• Stronger relationships with peers, family, and teachers
• Reduction in social anxiety or avoidance behaviors
• Practical tools they can use in real-life situations
By participating in our group, your child will build a social and emotional toolbox they can use for years to come.
Ready to Help Your Child Thrive?
We believe every child deserves to feel confident, connected, and capable in their social world. Our Social Skills Group for ages 11–13 provides the guidance and practice they need—backed by professional support from a therapist and educator who care.
Sign up now, Spots are limited
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Let’s give your child the skills—and support—to succeed socially, emotionally, and beyond.
