Making Friends Can Be Hard — We Make It Easier (and Fun!)

Does your child find it hard to make friends? Do they avoid group activities, struggle with small talk, or feel overwhelmed in busy environments?

At Blackburn Speech & Paediatric Therapy, we know how tricky social situations can be for some children — and how much it means to both kids and parents when friendships finally start to blossom.

That’s why we created Cook & Connect — a small, supportive group where children can practise social skills while cooking together, guided by our friendly and experienced therapists.

Cooking might sound simple, but it’s full of powerful learning opportunities. In each session, children work together on fun, hands-on recipes while developing key life and social skills.

Here’s what your child will practise in Cook & Connect:

1. Making Friends and Socialising in Real Life

Children learn how to start conversations, take turns, ask for help, and make small talk — all through natural interactions with their peers.

2. Building Executive Functioning Skills

Following a recipe gives your child the chance to plan, stay organised, manage time, and complete a task from beginning to end — just like doing a school project or getting ready in the morning.

3. Understanding and Expressing Emotions

We help kids tune into their feelings — both physically and emotionally. They practise putting their emotions into words and use calming strategies when things feel overwhelming.

4. Exploring Sensory Experiences in a Safe Way

Some kids avoid messy textures, strong smells, or loud sounds. Through cooking, we gently introduce sensory input in a safe, supported space — with no pressure to participate beyond their comfort zone.

5. Growing Confidence and Independence

When your child completes a recipe, they feel proud of what they’ve achieved. That sense of success builds their confidence and helps them feel more ready to try new things — in and out of the kitchen.

Every Child Has a Personal Goal

We work with families to set clear, meaningful goals for each child at the start of the term. Whether it’s learning to speak up in a group, managing transitions, or simply enjoying being with others, we track progress and celebrate every step forward.

Want to Join the Next Round?

Our Cook & Connect group runs during the school term. Spaces are limited to keep the group small and supportive.

If you think your child would benefit, we’d love to hear from you!

Express your interest by filling in this form

孩子不容易交朋友？我们让这件事变得简单又有趣！

您的孩子在人际交往方面是否感到困难？不知道怎么主动开口？在热闹的环境中容易紧张、不知所措？

在 Blackburn 语言与儿童治疗中心，我们理解交朋友对有些孩子来说并不容易。而作为家长，我们也知道，看着孩子慢慢建立起友谊，是一件多么重要而感动的事。

因此，我们特别推出了 Cook & Connect 烹饪社交小组。这是一个由资深治疗师带领的小型互动小组，通过一起做饭的活动，帮助孩子自然地练习社交、表达情绪、发展执行功能，并逐步建立自信与独立性。

别小看一顿饭的力量，做饭的过程，其实是非常丰富的学习机会。在每一节课中，孩子们将一起完成一个简单的食谱，在这个过程中，他们会学习和提升以下这些关键技能：

一、练习真实生活中的社交技巧

孩子们会学习如何打招呼、请求帮助、轮流发言以及如何进行自然的寒暄对话，帮助他们在日常生活或学校活动中，更自信地参与群体交流。

二、提升执行功能（计划与组织能力）

跟着食谱一步一步完成一道料理，就是一个非常实用的“迷你项目”。孩子在过程中会学习如何规划步骤、管理时间、集中注意力，并完成整个任务，这些技能对学习和生活都非常重要。

三、了解情绪并学会表达

我们会用温和的方式，引导孩子观察和表达自己的情绪，例如：“我现在有点紧张”、“我肚子饿的时候容易生气”。孩子会慢慢学会觉察情绪，并练习如何在压力下做出适当的调节。

四、在安全环境中探索感官体验

有些孩子对某些气味、质感或声音比较敏感。在这个小组中，孩子可以以舒适、不强迫的方式，接触各类感官刺激，如揉面团的手感、蔬菜的声音、香料的气味等，逐步建立对感官体验的适应力。

五、建立自信与独立性

每完成一道料理，孩子都会感受到自己“做到了！”的成就感。这种真实的成功体验，不仅提升孩子的自信，也让他们更勇敢去面对新挑战，无论是在厨房里还是在生活中。

每位孩子都有专属的个别目标

我们会在每学期开始前，与家长一起设定孩子的个人目标，例如：在小组中能主动说话、学会等待轮流、适应活动变化等。我们的治疗师会在课程中密切观察孩子的进展，并与家长一起庆祝每一个小小的成长。

下一期即将开放报名！

Cook & Connect 小组每学期举行一次，为确保每位孩子都能获得足够的支持，我们采用小班制，名额有限。

如果您希望孩子能在一个安全、有趣、又充满正向支持的环境中练习社交，这将是一个很好的开始。

報名請按此連結