executive function

2023 Social Skills Gift-Giving Guide – Teach Social Skills through Game Play!

Nadine Briggs December 10, 2023 No Comments

It’s holiday gift giving time! Here is our annual blog about our favorite games. These games are great fun but they also work on friendship skills.

A Concert Journey with Megan: Embracing Challenges and New Experiences

Nadine Briggs May 31, 2023 No Comments

Discover Megan's inspiring journey as she overcomes sensory challenges and anxiety at a Carrie Underwood concert, finding strength and joy in the experience.

How to Discourage Kids from Being “Rule Police”

Nadine Briggs May 8, 2023 No Comments

Rule policing can have long term social implications. Follow these tips to help kids understand the balance of following the rules without policing others.

Three middle school aged boys sitting on the floor. Middle boy has a walkie talkie and all are smiling.

How Friendship Effects Well Being

Nadine Briggs February 7, 2023 No Comments

Friends and social connections matter. Having meaningful, supportive friendships is a key factor in overall happiness and well-being.

Being a Good Friend: Essential Friendship Skills for Children

Nadine Briggs January 28, 2023 No Comments

Friendship is an important part of childhood and can have a significant impact on a child's overall well-being. Teaching children essential friendship skills can help them form positive and healthy…

10 Tips to Increase Self-Esteem

Nadine Briggs January 22, 2023 No Comments

Self-esteem can take a hit among children & teens who have social challenges. What can be done to increase their self-esteem? Check out these 10 tips.

8 Signs That Your Child/Teen Needs Social Coaching

Nadine Briggs October 16, 2022 No Comments

Has your child’s social life has been an area of concern for some time but you’re not quite sure what he/she needs? Do you wonder why they don’t ask to…

Small Steps Lead to Big Progress

Nadine Briggs August 3, 2022 No Comments

Kids can become “locked” by anxiety and an inability to connect with others. Here is a true story of a 9 year old boy who took small steps to make…

Why Telling Shy/Anxious Kids to “Speak Up” Doesn’t Work (and What Does)

Nadine Briggs May 5, 2022 No Comments

If people can understand their anxiety, use proven strategies to manage anxiety, and increase the positive aspects of their lives in conjunction with reducing the negative elements, the words will…

Friendship Needs Give and Take

Nadine Briggs April 21, 2022 No Comments

Friendship has to have some give and take. Rigidly refusing to try someone else's idea can make us miss out on fun and friendship.

When Bluster Goes Badly

Nadine Briggs March 9, 2022 No Comments

Blustering can happen when kids feel uncomfortable socially. These same kids can’t read social cues and they send unintended negative messaging to potential friends.

Journey Toward Better Self-Love this Valentine’s Day

Nadine Briggs February 11, 2022 No Comments

How we love ourselves is another important way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Check out this easy self-love exercise.

How We Purged Negative Thoughts During Covid

Nadine Briggs January 12, 2022 No Comments

These strategies helped Megan to begin to overcome the negativity of her Covid experience.

7 Quick Tips for Socializing Over the Holiday Break

Nadine Briggs December 22, 2021 No Comments

Consistent time with friends can deepen friendships. Plan time to socialize this holiday break with these 7 tips.

5 Fun Gift Ideas that Also Teach Social Skills

Nadine Briggs December 2, 2021 No Comments

It’s holiday gift giving time! Here is our annual blog of our favorite games that are great fun but they also work on friendship skills.

Tips for How to Connect through Conversation

Nadine Briggs November 9, 2021 No Comments

For the month of November, we are working with many of the kids/teens/young adults in our groups on how to truly connect to other people through conversation. Holiday time provides…

Help Your Child Have a Fun Halloween: Tips on How to Host a Pre Halloween Party

Nadine Briggs October 27, 2021 No Comments

Halloween should be a social holiday but what to do if your child doesn't have anyone to trick or treat with? Pre Halloween parties are a great way to set…

5 Simple Steps to Improve Resiliency for You and Your Child

Nadine Briggs September 28, 2021 No Comments

When children and teens face challenges, they might become overwhelmed and feel incapable of coping. Resilience helps to propel them forward when faced with hard times.

One Reason Why Your Kids’ Grades Dropped this Year (and what to do about it)

Nadine Briggs June 15, 2021 No Comments

The academic performance of many kids was much lower during Covid than at any other time. We had more than one child or teen confess that they were failing one…

Why Did My 10-Year-Old Lose His/Her Friends?

Nadine Briggs June 8, 2021 1 Comment

As kids grow and are in late elementary school at about age 10, you might find that they begin to lose friendships. The reason why it happens is important for…

What Teens Want Parents (and Teachers) to Know

Nadine Briggs May 25, 2021 No Comments

For both the teen and their parents, we have found that the more they understand the “why” behind their actions, the more understanding they will be of each other. At…

Practice Perspective Taking and Celebrate Mother’s Day with these 7 Tips

Nadine Briggs May 6, 2021 No Comments

Holidays that are not kid-oriented present a great opportunity to practice perspective taking skills. Kids who have social difficulty often have a hard time thinking of another’s point of view.…

Dealing with Bullies: A Parent’s Guide

Nadine Briggs April 29, 2021 No Comments

Bullying is a difficult subject to talk about and can be a real challenge for parents trying to figure out what they can/should do. Let’s break down some key elements…

The Roadblock that Stops Friendship Before it Starts

Nadine Briggs March 25, 2021 No Comments

When new friendships begin to form, there is often a roadblock that gets in they way. Here are some tips to overcome the hardest part of friend “matchmaking”.

Here’s what kids with ADHD aren’t saying – Coaching Instead of Consequences

Nadine Briggs March 23, 2021 No Comments

Kids with ADHD don't wake up each day thinking of how to annoy everyone all day. Try coaching instead of consequences.

5 Tips to Make Online Socializing More Meaningful

Nadine Briggs March 18, 2021 No Comments

Looking for ways to make video or zoom chats more meaningful? Check out these 5 simple (and fun) ways to add meaning to online social time.

Improve Resiliency and Optimism in Two Easy Steps

Nadine Briggs March 4, 2021 No Comments

The Simply Social Kids program coaches kids on social skills but also teaches them resiliency. This aspect of our program is an important point of difference from other social skills…

Join Our Team!

Nadine Briggs January 27, 2021 2 Comments

Job Openings: Social Coaches and Social Coach Assistants Needed Our program is looking for qualified social coaches and social coach assistants for our in-person groups (Tyngsboro, MA).

Let’s Chat About ADHD

Nadine Briggs January 15, 2021 No Comments

Join us for a casual discussion about ADHD from a college senior who will share his journey from age 10 – 21. Nadine and Trent Briggs of Simply Social Kids…

friendship means thinking about the needs of others

“What am I supposed to do with this?!” – The Art of Gift Giving and Receiving”

Nadine Briggs December 3, 2020 No Comments

Gift giving and receiving is all about thinking of others or perspective taking. For kids who have social difficulty, this is especially hard for them. Considering the view of others…

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Eliminate The Stress Of Small Talk With A Fun Game!

Nadine Briggs December 17, 2024 No Comments

Struggling with awkward conversations at holiday gatherings? A simple deck of cards might be the solution!

My daughter Megan as a baby with the words A Baby Born & A Life Transformed with birthday confetti

How My First Born Transformed My Life

Nadine Briggs December 10, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

Five Tips on How to Turn the “Gimmes” into the “Givees” this Holiday Season

Nadine Briggs November 30, 2024 No Comments

By Nadine Briggs The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection with family and friends. For those who celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah, it’s also a season of…

Grandma with hands on face and grandpa with arms folded. "In my day, we did it this way"

Tips to Handle Unwanted Parenting Advice

Nadine Briggs November 25, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

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Navigating Family Gatherings with Kids Who Struggle Socially – Tips to Prepare for the Holidays

Nadine Briggs November 19, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

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Master Positive Body Language: The SOFTEN Technique

Nadine Briggs November 4, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

Encouraging Real-World Friendships in a Digital Age

Nadine Briggs October 28, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

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How Long Until You See Results from Our Social Skills Program? Here’s What to Expect

Nadine Briggs October 22, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

Two friends dressed up for Halloween. Both are monsters and one is from the movie Scream

Plan Ahead for Trick or Treat Buddies

Nadine Briggs October 14, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

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Improve Self-Esteem by Making Friends!

Nadine Briggs September 26, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

woman holding coffee cup smiling at her friend

Parents – Are you satisfied with YOUR social life?

Nadine Briggs September 24, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

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Teaching Kids to Share Ideas Without Putting Others Down

Nadine Briggs September 17, 2024 No Comments

When kids play, you will often hear the phrase, "I have a better idea." Check out our quick tip for when ideas differ.

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The Best Way to Find Out About Your Child’s Day

Nadine Briggs September 3, 2024 No Comments

The new school year has arrived, and parents are eager to know how their kids are adjusting. The typical "How was your day?" often leads to vague answers that don’t…

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I Found the BEST Strategy to Deal with Overly Competitive Kids

Nadine Briggs August 26, 2024 No Comments

Are you looking for an effective way to teach kids how to handle winning and losing gracefully? Check out our latest video!

Nadine with finger on lips like keeping a secret

How to Discreetly Teach Your Child in Public Social Situations

Nadine Briggs August 6, 2024 No Comments

Secret signals can be an effective way to communicate with a child or teen when you think their actions might be putting a strain on a friendship.

Perfectionism and Friendships: The Hamster Wheel of Perfectionism

Nadine Briggs July 19, 2024 No Comments

Perfectionism can be likened to a hamster on a wheel, running tirelessly but never really getting anywhere. This relentless pursuit of flawlessness often leaves individuals feeling exhausted, frustrated, anxious, and…

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Tackling Unpleasant Topics: Feet Aren’t Fidgets & Other Gross Issues

Nadine Briggs July 16, 2024 No Comments

Addressing the challenging and sometimes uncomfortable aspects of personal hygiene and social behavior are vital to helping kids/teens understand how they are presenting themselves to others.

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In-the-Moment Social Skills Coaching: What It Means and Why It Works

Nadine Briggs June 11, 2024 No Comments

Many social skills programs have a structure that can feel a bit like "friend school". Our approach is mostly in-the-moment coaching with a short (10 minutes or less) lesson.

Prep Teens for Summer – Tips to Get Friends Contact Info

Nadine Briggs June 4, 2024 No Comments

Summer is coming and now is the time to make sure to share cell numbers or other contact information so teens can contact each other this summer. Check out our…

Basics of How to Read Social Cues in 2024

Nadine Briggs May 21, 2024 No Comments

The topic of reading social cues is extensive, with numerous books dedicated to it. This video aims to provide fundamental tips to help you begin understanding social cues. We cover…

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What Do You Mean by “Social Coaching”? A Real Life Example

Nadine Briggs May 14, 2024 No Comments

Many parents are curious about the effectiveness of our program, especially how coaching is delivered and its impact. This video provides a clear example, showcasing a child's experience with social…

Young mom holding baby girl with Down syndrome and looking down at her

40 No-Cost Ideas to Make Mother’s Day Special

Nadine Briggs May 7, 2024 No Comments

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! This special day offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Mom and practice perspective-taking!

Two girls sitting at desks next to each other with one covering the side of her mouth to tell a secret to her friend

Does Your Child Tell Outrageous Stories to Get Attention?

Nadine Briggs April 30, 2024 No Comments

Kids with social challenges crave attention from peers and try to be seen as interesting. This can lead some to stretch the truth and cause friendship issues.

Cartoon boy standing with question marks around him and the words flexible thinking above him

10 Tips to Encourage Flexible Thinking

Nadine Briggs April 12, 2024 No Comments

Flexible thinking is not only essential for academic success but also plays a crucial role in building strong and healthy relationships, particularly with friends.

Navigating Friendships through the Phases

Nadine Briggs April 7, 2024 No Comments

Much like the moon momentarily obscuring the sun, friendships go through phases of light and shadow, growth and retreat. Let's embark on a journey through these phases, drawing parallels between…

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Ask Kids “Why Am I Feeling Uncomfortable Right Now?” A Quick Tip to Teach Kids to Read Social Cues

Nadine Briggs April 3, 2024 No Comments

During play, if it seems like the dynamics could turn unfriendly, unfair, or unsafe, we prompt them with questions like "Why do I feel uncomfortable right now?"

KId sitting alone on leafy ground with head on arms and face hidden looking lonely and upset

10 Tips to Combat Post High School Loneliness

Nadine Briggs March 23, 2024 No Comments

The level of loneliness is at an alarming level for post high school young adults who struggle socially. Here are 10 tips to find friends for ages 18 and older.

“Why don’t they care about me?!”

Nadine Briggs March 19, 2024 No Comments

Kids with social challenges do not understand what friendship is at its core. Once they learn that friendship is reciprocal, they can begin to modify the way they interact and…

Nadine Briggs with sincere look on face and hands clasped in front of her with note paper taped that says I Get It. Here's my story. Warmly, Nadine

Dear Parents, I Get it. Here’s my story.

Nadine Briggs March 12, 2024 No Comments

I began social skills coaching for very personal reasons. Here's my story.

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What Should You Bring to Social Situations?

Nadine Briggs March 5, 2024 No Comments

Preparing for social events ahead of time can help to ease social anxiety. Here are some tips for how to bring your "social self" to social interactions and to avoid…

Nothing Changes When Nothing Changes

Nadine Briggs February 26, 2024 No Comments

If someone yearning for friends but has not had success, then something needs to change. Trying to make friends with support could be just what they need.

When Kids Misread Social Situations

Nadine Briggs February 26, 2024 No Comments

Kids who have social difficulties misread events that occur. This causes issues when it comes to making and keeping friends.

Why Teens Need Other Teens

Nadine Briggs February 15, 2024 No Comments

Kids with social challenges do not understand what friendship is at its core. Once they learn that friendship is reciprocal, they can begin to modify the way they interact and…

How to Tell if Someone Wants to Hang Out with You

Nadine Briggs February 15, 2024 No Comments

Kids with social challenges do not understand what friendship is at its core. Once they learn that friendship is reciprocal, they can begin to modify the way they interact and…

When a Bonk is Just a Bonk (and not an evil plan to destroy you…) New Video

Nadine Briggs February 15, 2024 No Comments

When kids bonk their head or get hurt in some way, they tend to look around immediately for a scapegoat to blame. Check out our strategy to help kids to…

A Fundamental Aspect of Friendship that Most Kids Don’t Understand

Nadine Briggs January 27, 2024 No Comments

Kids with social challenges do not understand what friendship is at its core. Once they learn that friendship is reciprocal, they can begin to modify the way they interact and…

How to Achieve the Happiness Balance

Nadine Briggs January 26, 2024 No Comments

Adopting a mindset shift, as outlined in the video below, plays a crucial role in building resilience and fostering a more optimistic perspective.

How to Create a Social Plan with Your Child (and why it’s important)

Nadine Briggs January 26, 2024 No Comments

Kids who have trouble making and keeping friends can go weeks and even months without socializing with anyone outside of school. Watch our video to learn how to make social…

Letting Go of Negative Experiences

Nadine Briggs January 26, 2024 No Comments

Does your child/teen/young adult hold grudges, dream of revenge, or relive bad experiences from the past?

Tips to Effortlessly Schedule Social Time

Nadine Briggs December 26, 2023 No Comments

Planning social time with others can be a daunting task for kids and teens. Our free Simply Social Kids planner is a great tool to make the task effortless.

Helping Kids with Social Challenges Find Trick-or-Treat Companions

Nadine Briggs October 25, 2023 No Comments

Check out these tips for parents of kids with social challenges to find trick or treat companions this Halloween.

Empower Kids with Impulse Control Issues: Recommended App

Nadine Briggs October 3, 2023 No Comments

Apps like Mindful Powers can help to create the mind muscles that kids need to be able to control impulses. Kids need that "pause" button in their brains so they…

What Does Our Coaching Look Like?

Nadine Briggs September 26, 2023 No Comments

Our coaching recognizes the importance of providing clear, patient, instructions to help kids learn how to engage effectively with their peers.

The Impact of Gratitude on Personal Growth

Nadine Briggs September 15, 2023 No Comments

Gratitude is a remarkable emotion with the power to transform not only our relationships but also ourselves.

Tips on How to Make Friends in a New School

Nadine Briggs August 21, 2023 No Comments

Our intern had to move suddenly as he entered high school. He discusses how he tired to make friends, what didn't work and why, and what he eventually did to…

Nurturing Social Skills in Children: Guiding Rigid Thinkers during Playtime

Nadine Briggs July 11, 2023 No Comments

Discover effective strategies to support children with high-functioning autism (HFA), anxiety, ADHD, and OCD in navigating social interactions during play. Foster empathy, flexibility, and problem-solving skills. Promote effective communication and…

The Ultimate Survival Guide for Teens at Home this Summer: 10 Essential Tips

Nadine Briggs June 13, 2023 No Comments

Strategies that allow you to keep your sanity intact while ensuring your teenager has a fulfilling summer break.

Surgeon General Warns of an Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation

Nadine Briggs May 31, 2023 No Comments

Loneliness is not merely an emotion; it has evolved into a pressing public health crisis that significantly impacts our mental and physical well-being.

How to Create Social Goals with Teens

Nadine Briggs January 21, 2023 No Comments

Setting goals can help teens focus on what they want to achieve socially. Setting goals can help teens focus on what they want to achieve socially. Otherwise teens might flounder…

How to Shred Negativity

Nadine Briggs January 9, 2023 No Comments

Ruminating on the bad things can lead to bitterness but choosing to focus on what is going well, can help build resiliency. Help your child choose resiliency.

Your Teen Needs Social Coaching but They Refuse – What to do?

Nadine Briggs November 1, 2022 No Comments

What to do when you know your teen needs help making friends, but they refuse to try a social skills group.

Your Kids Can Achieve Social Success this Summer (With Your Help)!

Nadine Briggs June 9, 2022 No Comments

Summer is upon us! This stretch of time, without the regular demands of school, can provide a great break but also a time when there can be less time with…

Open House May 14th 12:00 – 1:30 – Bring the Kids!

Nadine Briggs May 13, 2022 No Comments

6 Social Questions to Ask at Parent Teacher Conferences

Nadine Briggs October 20, 2021 No Comments

Parent teacher conferences are quick meetings with the teacher. To optimize your time, here are 6 questions you can ask to find out how your child is doing socially.

Learning Friendship Skills Should Be Fun!

Nadine Briggs July 27, 2021 No Comments

Not only should having friends be fun but learning how to make friends should be fun too!

The Specialness of this Space

Nadine Briggs June 23, 2021 No Comments

Simply Social Kids has been deep cleaned, an air filtering system is in place, plenty of hand sanitizer available, and we are ready for action. Join us beginning July 6th.…

Autism Awareness, Acceptance, & Appreciation

Nadine Briggs April 8, 2021 No Comments

This month, we’re going to spotlight and appreciate some of the young people we know who are on the spectrum by highlighting their talents and general awesomeness. First up, meet…

“Oh my gosh!!! You are NOT going to believe what I got on VIDEO!” (Are You Listening? Like, Really Listening?)

Nadine Briggs March 31, 2021 No Comments

Listening, like really listening is what makes true friendship connections. Here are 4 tips on how to become a good listener and show others that you value their friendship.

7 Parenting Tips to Improve Communication and Compliance

Nadine Briggs February 25, 2021 No Comments

Parenting during Covid has been so incredibly challenging. Kids are more disengaged socially and academically. Parents are trying to communicate with their kids with mixed results. Parents who are trying…

Two Tales of Timmy

Nadine Briggs February 18, 2021 No Comments

The Two Tales of Timmy By Nadine Briggs This story is about a teenage boy who we will call Timmy. I first met when Timmy came to Simply Social Kids…

Small Talk and Sharing Interests

Nadine Briggs February 4, 2021 No Comments

Many kids don’t understand the value of small talk. They would rather not talk about things that are obvious because they don’t see the point. If it recently snowed, for…

two teenagers sitting together reading body language

Reading Social Cues

Nadine Briggs January 28, 2021 No Comments

Reading social cues can be tricky for many because of all the subtle ways that we express ourselves. We communicate with the words we choose, but also the position of…

Parents Asked Questions About ADHD – We Answered

Nadine Briggs January 25, 2021 3 Comments

Many thanks to everyone who attended our free online event, Let's Chat About ADHD, on Tuesday evening. We had a great turnout with many thought-provoking questions. Many people struggle with…

Overthinking Social Responses

Nadine Briggs January 21, 2021 No Comments

Most children and teens with social challenges also have issues with anxiety. The anxiety can lead to an overabundance of “what if…” thoughts. Kids who have an opportunity to socialize…

Secret Sauce Ingredient Revealed

Nadine Briggs January 19, 2021 No Comments

Parents frequently ask me how I gets kids to share life details with me as a coach. Check out this blog for the secret sauce.

Kids Who Crave Control

Nadine Briggs January 14, 2021 No Comments

One of the most common issues that we hear from parents when they contact us for friendship coaching is that their child or teen tries to control social interactions. They…

Was it Just a Snack Box or a Symbol of Normalcy?

Nadine Briggs January 14, 2021 No Comments

As this pandemic drags on, the memories of what is “normal” can begin to fade. For my (Nadine’s) personal mental health, I try to do what I can do to…

Negativity is a Toxic Beast: Embracing the Art of the Grudge Smudge

Nadine Briggs December 30, 2020 No Comments

Negativity is very toxic beast. Holding on to grudges can make you feel bitter and resentful. Over time, those feelings can begin to take up so much space that there…

When Caught Between “Blah” and “Meh”

Nadine Briggs December 18, 2020 No Comments

Even though we knew this was coming, it doesn’t make it any easier. The weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter and COVID-19 is spreading while we…

Tricky Triangles

Nadine Briggs January 29, 2019 1 Comment

By Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs We all know what a love triangle is (who hasn’t read a good romance book?) There are other types of triangles that human beings…

Perspective That Hits Like a Mack Truck

Nadine Briggs November 2, 2015 No Comments

Perspective That Hits Like a Mack Truck By Nadine Briggs As some of you know, my 18 year old daughter, Megan, has Down syndrome and attends a residential school about…

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