Hidden rules, though unspoken, play a crucial role in social interactions. For children with social skill delays, these rules are not always intuitive, making it important for parents and caregivers to actively teach these expectations.

These rules can include behaviors such as knocking on doors before entering, asking permission to use someone's things, or maintaining quiet in places like libraries. These rules may seem obvious to some but can be perplexing for children who do not automatically pick up on social cues.

‍Strategies to Teach Hidden Rules

Teaching hidden rules effectively involves a few key strategies:

1. Explicit Teaching: Clearly explain what the hidden rule is and why it matters in specific contexts.
2. Preparation for New Situations: Before visiting new places or attending special events, discuss the expected behaviors with your child. For instance, explain the behavior expected at a theme park or during a holiday dinner at a relative's house.
3. Role-Playing: Use role-playing games at home to practice these rules. This makes learning fun and practical.
4. Reinforcement in Real Settings: When out in public or in new situations, remind and praise your child for remembering and following these hidden rules.

At our center, we integrate these teachings into daily activities, providing children with practical applications of hidden rules. Parents can replicate this at home by creating similar structured activities that require the use of these rules, like setting up a pretend library where quiet is necessary.

Understanding and adhering to hidden rules are essential for social success. With patience and practice, your child can learn to navigate these rules more confidently.