Building Social Skills in Toddlers Through Play

Social interactions begin long before a child can say their first words. Babies coo at caregivers, toddlers giggle in peek-a-boo games, and infants reach for comfort when they need support. Building social skills in toddlers is an important part of their early development. Cccupational therapy can play a key role in helping them navigate these important milestones.

Using a DIR/Floortime approach, occupational therapists (OTs) support infants and toddlers in developing meaningful relationships through play, connection, and engagement. Instead of focusing on teaching social rules, we follow a child’s lead. We respect their unique sensory and communication needs, and help them feel safe and comfortable in interactions.

How Occupational Therapy Supports Early Social Skills

Strengthening Connection & Engagement

• We start with what your child is naturally drawn to, whether it’s a favorite toy, a silly sound, or movement to build a back-and-forth connection.
• Play is key! Simple games like peek-a-boo, rolling a ball, or singing together create opportunities for shared joy and social problem-solving.
• Instead of teaching “correct” social behaviors, we encourage curiosity, flexibility, and engagement at their own pace.
• Some little ones struggle to stay regulated while interacting. We help them feel safe and comfortable in social exchanges.
• We guide parents in understanding how their child’s sensory, motor, and visual-spatial needs impact connection. We strive to make social interactions easier and more enjoyable.

Supporting Self-Regulation & Sensory Needs

• Babies and toddlers may need movement, deep pressure (like firm hugs), or quiet time before they’re ready to engage with others.
• We help little ones recognize and manage big emotions so they can stay connected during play and social moments.
• Sensory activities like swaying, messy play, or deep breathing help infants and toddlers feel secure and ready to interact.
• For children struggling with body awareness, we provide strategies to help them use gestures, facial expressions, and movement to express themselves socially.

Expanding Play & Early Communication

• Social interactions are more than just eye contact or waving “hi.” We help little ones build real connections, like sharing excitement, taking turns, and showing emotions.
• Pretend play, even in its earliest forms (like feeding a stuffed animal or making funny faces), helps toddlers explore emotions and relationships.
• We focus on what excites each child, whether it’s stacking blocks, bouncing to music, or watching bubbles, and expand on those interests to strengthen communication and interaction.
• As toddlers start to communicate, we encourage them to expand their play by sharing, problem-solving together, and using their developing language skills to connect in creative ways.
• By considering family habits, roles, and routines, we help create social opportunities within everyday life.

Helping with Peer Interaction & Group Play

• Group play can be overwhelming for some toddlers, and interacting with peers can sometimes feel challenging. OTs provide guidance on how to co-regulate with peers and respond to social cues, but in a way that makes sense to them.
• We create opportunities for toddlers to interact naturally, focusing on shared experiences that teach taking turns, communicating, and forming connections without the pressure of rigid social rules.

Coaching Parents & Caregivers

• Parents are key players in their child’s social development. We provide strategies for caregivers to incorporate into daily routines. Simple activities like engaging in play together, helping with sensory needs, and creating supportive environments can make a big difference!
• We offer a personalized approach, considering each child’s individual needs and helping parents understand how to connect based on sensory, motor, and communication preferences.
• We work with families to ensure that each member’s needs are considered, helping the whole family build stronger, more connected relationships.

Real-Life Examples of Social Skill Development

Instead of focusing on formal lessons like making eye contact or saying “please,” we emphasize natural, enjoyable interactions. By using emotional engagement, sensory-friendly activities, and play-based learning, we help infants and toddlers connect with others in a way that feels comfortable and authentic to them. The goal is not just to check off social milestones but to nurture their emotional development and ability to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

If you’re wondering how to help your toddler connect with others and navigate social situations, occupational therapy could be just what they need. We’re here to support you and your child in building those important social skills through play and connection. Complete our intake form here to learn more.