Why doesn’t my child realise when others are being unkind?
It can be very worrying when your child is kind, trusting or eager to please, but does not always recognise when others are being unkind or taking advantage. You may notice they are easily influenced, struggle to say no, or find it hard to explain what happened after a social problem.
This is not about blaming your child. Some children need support to understand social situations more clearly and protect themselves.
What this can look like
Your child may:
- be overly trusting or very eager to please others
- struggle to recognise when someone is being unkind or taking advantage
- find it hard to tell the difference between joking, teasing and bullying
- be easily influenced by peers
- struggle to say no or set boundaries
- misread other people’s intentions
- find it difficult to explain what happened after a social problem
- become anxious, withdrawn or upset after interactions with others
What may be going on
These difficulties may be linked to social communication differences, autism, language difficulties, emotional regulation needs, anxiety or difficulty understanding perspective and intention.
Children who struggle to explain events clearly may also find it harder to seek help when something has gone wrong.
How assessment helps
A speech and language assessment can explore how your child understands social situations, interprets language, explains events and communicates when they need help.
This can help identify what support is needed at home, school or in wider social situations.
How I can help
I can support your child to develop clearer understanding of social situations, boundaries, communication repair, self-advocacy and ways to seek help.
I also work with parents so they can support their child’s communication safety in a practical, sensitive way.
Not sure if this sounds like your child?
That’s okay. You do not need to know the reason before asking for help.
Book a free 15-minute consultation and we can talk through your concerns together.