Let's Be Friends: Helping Little Kids Build Big Connection Skills (Ages 5-7)
Does your child feel left out, unsure how to join in, or struggle with big feelings around friends? Help them build confidence, connection, and communication in a gentle, playful, and therapeutic group designed just for young kids.
Does your child feel left out, unsure how to join in, or struggle with big feelings around friends? Help them build confidence, connection, and communication in a gentle, playful, and therapeutic group designed just for young kids.
If your child finds it hard to make friends, freezes up in group settings, or often feels left out or misunderstood by their peers, they’re not alone, and they’re not “behind.” Some kids need a bit more support learning the building blocks of connection, especially when things like emotional regulation, communication, or confidence are still developing.
At Acorn Counselling, we work with many children who want to connect but feel overwhelmed by the how. For some, joining in play feels intimidating. Others might interrupt, withdraw, act out, or have trouble knowing how to ask for what they need. These struggles can impact their confidence and make social situations feel more stressful than joyful. That’s where this group comes in.
A Therapeutic Group Built Just for Young Kids
Our Social Skills Group is designed to help kids build real-world social-emotional tools through structure, play, and connection. With a small group size and therapists guiding the way, kids will have a safe and supportive space to:
- Practice taking turns, sharing, and joining in
- Learn what body language and tone can communicate
- Build flexibility when things don’t go as expected
- Handle small conflicts and misunderstandings with more confidence
- Express emotions and needs clearly and respectfully
- Advocate for themselves and ask for help
- Strengthen their sense of belonging and self-worth
We use cooperative games, role play, stories, visual supports, and creative activities to keep the learning fun, engaging, and accessible for every child.
🌈 Who This Group Is For
🌈 Who This Group Is For
This group is a good fit for children who:
- Feel left out or unsure of how to join group play
- Get overwhelmed or upset when routines change
- Struggle to manage big emotions in peer settings
- Have difficulty taking turns or reading social cues
- Need more practice to feel confident interacting with others
👧🏽 Why It Matters
Social skills aren’t just about “playing nicely”, they’re about helping kids feel safe, connected, and capable in the world around them. When kids learn how to communicate, collaborate, and recover from challenges, they build the confidence they need to thrive, not just in friendships, but in life. This group isn’t about fixing behavior. It’s about giving kids space, tools, and encouragement to become more fully themselves, at their own pace, with others cheering them on.
📍 Details:
Location: 845 Upper James – further details to be sent.
When: Thursday August 7, and Thursday August 14th 2025, from 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Duration: 2 hours per session
Cost: FREE during the Summer session!
This pilot session is offered at no cost. Future sessions (beginning in the Fall for a full 8-10 week group) will have a registration fee.
Facilitated by Charlene Forde-Smith, a Child & Family Therapist who loves helping kids build connection skills, confidence, and friendships through play, creativity, and meaningful group experiences.
Facilitated by Charlene Forde-Smith, a Child & Family Therapist who loves helping kids build connection skills, confidence, and friendships through play, creativity, and meaningful group experiences.
Social Skills Group for Littles
Helping Little Kids Build Big Connection Skills (Ages 5-7)
Not sure if group will work for you right now?
We continue to offer individual child, youth and parent counselling. Get in touch to discuss what services will best meet your needs.