What are interpersonal skills?

Interpersonal skills are the tools you use to get along well with other people.

Imagine you're playing with your best friend at the park. You both want to ride the same swing. If you just push them aside without saying anything, they might feel sad or angry. But if you say, "Can I take a turn next?" that’s using interpersonal skills, like being polite and kind.

When you talk with your friends, you're using interpersonal skills too. You listen to them when they speak, you smile when they laugh, and you help them if they’re upset. These are all ways of showing that you care about others and want to have fun together.

Another time you use interpersonal skills is when you share your toys. Maybe you're playing with a toy car, and your brother wants it too. You could just keep it for yourself, but if you say, "You can play with it next," that’s being friendly and understanding.

Using interpersonal skills helps you make more friends, have more fun, and feel happy when you’re around other people.