Toys aren’t just for keeping kids busy; they can also be very effective tools for teaching life skills. Social skills like sharing, empathy, and problem-solving are best taught to children through their most universal language - play! Play gives children a chance to try things out, make mistakes, and practice again in a safe space.
Here are five ways you can use toys to help your child build stronger social skills:
1. Practice Sharing with Blocks or Building Sets
Sharing can be tricky, especially when kids want the same toy. Building sets like LEGO, Magna-Tiles, or wooden blocks make it easy to set up opportunities for cooperation. Instead of each child building their own project, encourage them to design something together.
• Show them phrases like: “Can I have that piece when you’re done?” or “I’ll wait my turn for that block.”
• Point out and praise positive teamwork as it happens.
The process matters more than the final tower or castle - it’s about learning to build with someone, not just next to them.
2. Explore Empathy with Role-Playing
Pretend play opens the door for kids to imagine what someone else might feel or need. Dolls, stuffed animals, or figurines become “characters” that children can take care of, comfort, or problem-solve for.
Try prompting them with questions like:
• “Teddy looks upset. What could help him feel better?”
• “Baby doll is hungry. How should we take care of her?”
This simple play strengthens empathy by encouraging kids to see the world from another perspective. Explore our Plush Collection.
3. Strengthen Communication Skills with Board Games
Board games are a natural way to practice turn-taking, rule-following, and respectful communication. Even beginner games like Candy Land or Connect 4 set the stage for learning how to wait, speak politely, and manage both winning and losing.
• Model good sportsmanship with phrases like “Thanks for playing with me” or “I’ll try again next round.”
• Focus on effort and persistence, not just winning.
Games create an easy structure where kids can practice interacting respectfully and fairly.
4. Encourage Problem-Solving with Puzzles and Cooperative Play
Challenges during play are golden opportunities for growth. Toys like puzzles, marble runs, or cooperative board games encourage kids to plan, strategize, and sometimes negotiate when they disagree.
You can step in with guidance when needed:
• “Looks like you both want to place this piece. What’s a fair way to decide?”
• “What are two options we could try?”
These problem-solving moments teach flexibility, compromise, and working toward a shared goal.
5. Support Emotional Regulation with Sensory Toys
Navigating emotions is a big part of social success. Tools like Play-Doh, sensory bins, or stress balls can help kids settle down when they’re frustrated or overexcited.
Encourage kids to use them as a reset button:
• “Take a squeeze of the stress ball before jumping back in.”
• “Let’s roll some Play-Doh while we take a break.”
Learning to manage their own emotions helps kids stay connected with others in positive ways. Explore more sensory toys HERE.
Toys don’t just entertain kids—they give them a chance to practice the same skills they’ll use in friendships, classrooms, and family life. With a little direction from you, play becomes an awesome teaching tool and a way to help your child grow into a thoughtful, flexible, and confident communicator.
Quick Read:
5 Ways to Teach Social Skills with Toys
• Sharing: Build together with blocks
• Empathy: Role-play with dolls or stuffed animals
• Communication: Practice turn-taking with board games
• Problem-Solving: Work as a team on puzzles or cooperative games
• Emotional Regulation: Use Play-Doh or fidgets to manage big feelings
Did you know toys can do more than just keep kids busy? They’re actually awesome tools for teaching sharing, empathy, communication, and more. With a little guidance, playtime becomes practice time for real-life social skills.
About the Author:
Paige Whitley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. With over 3 years of dedicated experience, Paige has become a trusted ally for diverse populations, including the neurodivergent community, trauma survivors, substance abuse sufferers, and those navigating general mental health challenges. Since 2010, Paige has impacted young lives through her work as a lifeguard, swim teacher, behavior technician, nanny, and counselor. When not at work, she indulges in the magic of Disney Parks, enticing culinary adventures, and family time with her husband, fur babies, and baby Whitley. Passionate and empathetic, she's a catalyst for positive change, committed to making a difference in her community's mental health landscape.