"A friend loves at all times..." (Proverbs 17:17)

Many times our children come to us with poor social skills. These can be due to trauma, neglect, abuse, medical or mental health conditions – a variety of causes.

In my own life, with my ADD undiagnosed until adulthood, I found social settings to be my undoing. I had difficulty reading social cues (like when to shut up!), and my impulsivity manifested itself in constantly interrupting others.

When my daughter first arrived, on her very first night with two new acquaintances, she growled at them in frustration, and angrily stamped her feet and clenched her fists at her side. She also interrupted, and said something unkind – the exact words escape me now – but I remember how upset she and the girls were.

Another time in Spanish class, she told another little girl, “That’s bad!” when the girl did something she didn’t approve of.

After such a rocky start, my daughter is beginning to enjoy some social successes! Yesterday at church, one of the older girls in my daughter’s Bible class asked to sit with her during worship services. They drew pictures for one another, and look at the one I’ve posted that her friend drew for her: Best Friends! My daughter has a true friend and she is thrilled, and I am thrilled for her!

After church, we went to lunch with some other friends of ours. This particular friend is the single mom of two adopted daughters. My daughter excitedly chatted with the oldest girl, who just happens to be the same age. All the girls begged to come back to our home after lunch so they could continue to play, and it was quite successful. My daughter’s social skills, for the most part, were right on track, developmentally.

After enduring the agony of being a social outcast during my own painful childhood, I feel so much empathy for my girl. Yesterday was such a rewarding day for her, socially, and I hope we can continue to give her the feedback needed to continue these successes.

Her little friend at church is supposed to be coming over for a play date next week. I am prayerful that we will again experience success!