Social Skills, Communication & Emotional Regulation

At Big Little Voices Speech Pathology, we support children in developing the essential skills they need to thrive socially and emotionally. Our sessions are designed to help children better understand others, express themselves appropriately, and regulate their emotions in a variety of situations—from the classroom to the playground and beyond.

Social communication is more than just talking—it’s about understanding and using body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and conversational rules to interact successfully. These skills are the foundation for building friendships, working in groups, and navigating the social world.

Children with strong social communication skills can:

• Start and maintain conversations
• Take turns in play and discussions
• Recognise and respond to nonverbal cues
• Understand social rules and adjust their behaviour to different situations
• Show empathy and awareness of others’ feelings

Emotional regulation is the ability to recognise, manage, and express emotions in a way that fits the moment. It helps children cope with frustration, anxiety, excitement, and disappointment, and supports their participation in learning and social settings.

We help children:

• Identify and label their emotions
• Learn calming and coping strategies
• Manage big feelings in safe and appropriate ways
• Build resilience and emotional flexibility

Children may benefit from social or emotional support if they show:

• Difficulty starting or sustaining conversations
• Challenges with turn-taking, sharing, or group play
• Trouble understanding body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice
• Frequent emotional outbursts or shutdowns
• Difficulty adapting to new or unexpected situations
• Limited awareness of others’ feelings or social boundaries
• Avoidance of peer interactions or group activities