As a parent of three, I've seen how social awareness helps us build strong connections and better understand the world around us. Social awareness is the ability to relate to other people and to understand their point of view. I remember talking with my daughter when she felt nervous about joining a group activity because she thought she was different. This experience reminded me that social awareness is not just recognizing differences, but also embracing them with compassion, curiosity, and respect for each person's unique way of experiencing the world.
Social awareness is an essential skill for kids, helping them navigate the world with empathy, kindness, and understanding. When children begin to understand how others are feeling, they are showing empathy. And having empathy makes it more likely they’ll help others and show compassion. As parents and caregivers, we have the opportunity to help our kids recognize and appreciate others’ experiences and perspectives while encouraging them to honor their own ways of interacting and connecting with the world.
Shows like “Carl the Collector” offer great ways to talk about and build social awareness skills with your child. Carl’s relatable struggles and adventures with his friends can be great starting points to ask your child questions like, "How do you think that character felt?" or "What would you have done in that situation?" Watching together, you can help your child look for ways that Carl and his friends grow socially aware through their ups and downs.
These conversations can help your child practice and apply social awareness in everyday life. Here are a few simple ideas to help your child build social awareness skills:
Practice compassion and curiosity
Children learn by observing the people around them. You can teach your child about compassion by caring about how others feel and what they’re going through. You can demonstrate genuine curiosity for others, especially those from different backgrounds or experiences. By asking questions and listening carefully, you show your child that every person has a story worth hearing.
In “The Pinecone Collection” episode, Carl notices his friend Lotta isn’t acting like herself. He asks questions to find out why she’s so upset and with his friends, helps Lotta feel better.
Talk about differences and similarities
Children naturally notice differences in appearance, behavior, or abilities. Explain that everyone has qualities that make them unique. Encourage your child to find common ground while celebrating what makes each person special.
In “The Fake Mustache Collection” episode, Nico and Arugula are frustrated that people keep confusing them. Carl helps friends notice the little things that make them unique.
Encourage thoughtful interactions
Help your child think about how their actions affect others. Before they speak or act, ask them to consider how it might make someone else feel. This simple step helps children build positive and respectful relationships by thinking from another’s point of view. In “The Fall” episode, Carl freezes when he sees his friend get hurt. With his mother’s help, he shares something important about himself to explain why he didn’t know what to do.
Promote active listening
Being a good listener is an important part of social awareness. Help your child find ways to be an active listener that feels comfortable to them. If eye contact is difficult, encourage focusing on the speaker’s words, asking questions, or repeating what they’ve heard. This helps your child communicate with others while honoring their own needs.
In “The Lint Dinosaur Collection” episode, Carl is upset when his friends don’t want to make lint dinosaurs with him. By listening to them, Carl realizes that even when they don’t agree, they can find a way to stay friends.
By practicing these simple skills, you can help your child develop the social awareness skills they need to navigate relationships with curiosity and kindness.
