How to Help Kids Build Social Skills Through Successful Play Dates With Maria Hammond, Ph.D.

Play dates are supposed to be fun, but so many parents tell me the same thing: play dates are stressful. You worry about how your child will act, whether they’ll feel left out, or if things might go sideways in front of another parent. In this episode, I wanted to give you concrete tools to help play dates feel calmer, smoother, and actually enjoyable for everyone involved.I’m joined by Maria Hammond, Ph.D., a specialist in communication development and parent-child relationships. Maria runs social skills groups for young children and brings a thoughtful, practical lens to helping kids build social skills through everyday interactions. Together, we talk about why successful play doesn’t mean perfection and how small shifts in preparation can make a big difference.In this episode, we cover:Why play dates are stressful for both kids and parents, and how anxiety can shape expectationsHow to build social skills by planning play dates witha clear structure and realistic goalsWhy going into a play date with a “mission” helps kids feel more confident and engaged in successful playHow environment and expectations impact successful play, especially for shy or sensitive kidsWhen and why it’s better to leave a play date while it’s still going wellHow parents can support build social skills without hovering or overcorrectingIf play dates have ever left you feeling tense, discouraged, or unsure of what went wrong, this conversation will help you reframe what success really looks like. With guidance from Maria Hammond, Ph.D., you’ll walk away with practical strategies to support successful play, reduce stress, and help your child build social skills in a way that feels manageable and developmentally appropriate.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Listen to Episode 16: How to Stop Meltdowns Before They Start By Managing Expectations and Parenting Without Power StrugglesRead the full show notes HERE!LET'S CONNECT:Thriving Child CenterPCIT ExpertsCalm and Connected ProgramInstagramLove having expert tips you can actually use? Join our newsletter and get a beautifully designed PDF of each episode’s top 3 takeaways—delivered straight to your inbox every week.Are you a provider? Subscribe here for professional insights and parenting resources!CONNECT WITH MARIA HAMMOND, Ph.D.WebsiteEmail: [email protected]