Helping Kids Talk With Others, Not At Them – The Power of Three in Social Skills
Strong communication skills are more than just finding the right words—they’re about knowing how much to say, when to say it, and how it will be received by others. For many children, this kind of social awareness does not come naturally and must be explicitly taught.
In our social skills groups at Moroz Child Psychology Group, we often observe two common patterns that lead to communication breakdowns:
- On one end of the spectrum, some children respond to questions with one-word answers, a flat tone, and minimal eye contact. These replies can come across as disinterested—even though the child may simply be feeling shy, overwhelmed, or unsure how to elaborate.
- On the other end, we see children who launch into lengthy monologues, unaware that the listener may have lost interest. These students often miss social cues such as body language, attention shifts, or timing, which help guide more balanced interactions.
In both cases, what’s missing is social attunement—the ability to notice how our words are being received and to make real-time adjustments.
Teaching the Power of Three
To support children in developing this awareness, we use a practical tool called The Power of Three. This strategy gives them a simple but effective conversational framework:
- Either respond with three short answers, or
- Share one idea followed by three supporting reasons or examples.
Both approaches help children become more thoughtful, organized, and engaging in how they communicate. We encourage them to keep responses within about 15 to 20 seconds—long enough to show interest, but short enough to stay connected to the listener’s attention span.
With consistent practice, children learn how to:
- Pace their responses
- Provide meaningful details without over-explaining
- Gauge how their words affect others
Over time, these skills build not only better conversations, but also stronger relationships.
At Moroz Child Psychology Group, our goal is not just to help children talk more—but to help them talk in ways that truly connect.