At Restored Pathways Family Counseling Collective, we often hear parents say the same thing:
Maybe your child struggles to join group play, becomes overwhelmed by big emotions, or has difficulty making and keeping friends. These challenges are more common than many families realize — and they don’t mean anything is “wrong.”
Social skills are learned skills. And like any skill, children can grow with the right support.
That’s why we created our children’s social skills groups in Orange County: a safe, playful environment where kids practice communication, emotional regulation, and friendship skills with guidance from experienced therapists.
When children feel socially confident, it impacts everything: school success, emotional wellbeing, and their sense of belonging.
What Are Social Skills Groups for Children?
Our social skills therapy groups for kids are structured sessions designed to teach and practice real-world social and emotional skills. Through games, role-play, movement, and interactive activities, children learn how to navigate everyday social situations in ways that feel natural and empowering.
Each session focuses on core areas of child social development, including:
Communication Skills for Kids
Children practice expressing their thoughts clearly, listening to others, and participating in conversations.
Emotional Regulation and Coping Skills
We teach practical tools that help kids calm their bodies, identify emotions, and respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution
Children practice resolving conflicts, making decisions, and repairing relationships in healthy ways.
Teamwork and Cooperative Play
Kids learn to share, take turns, and work together — skills that strengthen friendships and classroom success.
Empathy and Social Awareness
We help children recognize and respect the feelings of others, building emotional intelligence.
Applying Skills in Real Life
Children leave with tools they can use at school, at home, and in everyday interactions.
Introducing Social Safari 2026!
Our upcoming Social Safari 2026 is a 6-week social skills group for children ages 4–6 years old.
Saturdays:
March 14 • March 21 • March 28 • April 4 • April 11 • April 18
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: 161 Fashion Ln, Ste 105, Tustin, CA 92780
Cost:
$100 deposit to secure your child’s spot
$55 per session, billed weekly
Spots are intentionally limited to provide a small, supportive environment.
What To Expect
Week 1 – Pawsitlively Speaking
Benefits of building these skills include:
- Communications Skills
- Peer Relationships
- Positive Self-Identity
Week 2 – Owl Be There For You!
Benefits of building these skills include:
- Emotional Literacy
- Emotional Regulation
- Play & Learn
Week 3 – Patiently Wading For The Prize
Benefits of building these skills include:
- Distress Tolerance Skills
- Body-Mind Integration
- Impluse Control
Week 4 – Shellebrating Each Other
Benefits of building these skills include:
- Developing Empathy
- Understanding Others
- Perspective Shifting
Week 5 – Purrfect Communication
Benefits of building these skills include:
- Identify & Express Needs
- Communicate Emotions
- Learn Coping Skills
Week 6 – The Bear Essentials
Benefits of building these skills include:
- Review New Skills!
- Build Confidence
- Practice Coping Skills
Who Benefits from Children’s Social Skills Therapy?
Our social skills groups in Tustin and Orange County are helpful for children who:
- Feel shy or anxious in social settings
- Have difficulty making or maintaining friendships
- Struggle with emotional regulation
- Need support building self-confidence
- Find teamwork or sharing challenging
- Prefer solitary play when around peers
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Skills Groups
What age is Social Safari designed for?
Social Safari 2026 is designed for children ages 4–6 years old. Groups are developmentally tailored to early childhood social and emotional needs.
Where is the social skills group located?
Our children’s social skills group takes place at:
161 Fashion Ln, Ste 105, Tustin, CA 92780
We serve families throughout Tustin and greater Orange County.
How do I know if my child needs a social skills group?
If your child struggles with making friends, managing big emotions, joining group play, or navigating peer conflict, a social skills therapy group can provide structured practice in a supportive setting.
How many children are in each group?
We intentionally keep groups small to ensure individualized attention and a safe, supportive experience for every child.
Is this therapy or a class?
Social Safari is a therapist-led social skills group, meaning it blends therapeutic intervention with play-based learning. Skills are taught intentionally and reinforced through guided activities.
What skills will my child learn?
Children practice:
- Communication
- Emotional regulation
- Problem-solving
- Impulse control
- Empathy
- Friendship skills
- Confidence building
How do I register?
A $100 deposit secures your child’s spot, with weekly session fees of $55. Want to sign up? Or sign up for future Social Safari groups? Click here: Social Safari Information
Supporting Your Child’s Social and Emotional Growth
Every child deserves to feel confident connecting with others. When children develop strong social and emotional skills early, they build a foundation for healthier relationships, academic success, and long-term resilience.
If you’re wondering whether a social skills group in Tustin or Orange County could support your child, we’re here to help. If you would like to learn more about our child counseling services, please visit this link.
