Your Guide to Thriving Relationships This Month
July marks Social Wellness Month, a time to reflect on how our connections with others shape our well-being. While physical and mental health often take center stage, social wellness is just as vital. It’s the cornerstone of meaningful relationships, emotional resilience, and a supportive community. At its heart, social wellness is about nurturing healthy, respectful, and authentic relationships—whether at home, work, school, or in our broader circles. This month offers a valuable opportunity to assess the state of your relationships and consider how they impact your overall wellness. Whether you’re a parent, educator, caregiver, or simply someone looking to deepen connections, understanding and cultivating social wellness can improve the quality of your life and the lives of those around you. Let’s take a deer dive into your guide to thriving relationships this month.
What Is Social Wellness?
Social wellness refers to our ability to form satisfying interpersonal relationships and adapt comfortably to social situations. It includes how we communicate, handle conflict, set boundaries, and show empathy and support to others. When our social wellness is strong, we feel connected, supported, and valued. When it's neglected, feelings of isolation, stress, and anxiety can increase.
Healthy social wellness isn’t about having a huge social circle—it’s about the *quality* of your connections. It’s about showing up for others and allowing them to show up for you. It’s also about having the courage to reevaluate relationships that feel toxic, one-sided, or emotionally draining.
The Role of Healthy Relationships in Social Wellness
At every stage of life, healthy relationships help us thrive. For children, secure relationships build confidence, emotional intelligence, and communication skills. For adults, relationships provide a sense of belonging, reduce stress, and contribute to longer, healthier lives.
Healthy relationships are built on:
Mutual respect
Open communication
Trust and honesty
Emotional safety
Support and shared responsibility
These foundational elements allow us to be seen and accepted as we are. In turn, they empower us to support the growth and well-being of those around us.
Social Wellness for Children and Families
Children model their understanding of relationships by observing the adults in their lives. When they see caregivers practicing empathy, resolving conflicts peacefully, and prioritizing connection, they learn to do the same. This is especially important for children with developmental differences such as autism or ADHD, who may benefit from structured support to build social and communication skills.
In families, practicing social wellness might look like:
Creating predictable routines that foster trust and emotional safety
Spending intentional time together without screens or distractions
Practicing active listening during conversations
Naming and validating emotions
Teaching and modeling appropriate boundaries
These small yet powerful habits can create stronger family units, where each member feels valued and connected.
Cultivating Social Wellness in Schools and Communities
Schools are more than places of academic learning—they are rich environments for social development. Teachers, aides, and peers all play a role in shaping a child’s social experiences. Promoting kindness, cooperation, and inclusive practices can help children—especially those who experience social difficulties—feel a sense of belonging.
Community-based activities, such as after-school programs, sports, and clubs, offer additional opportunities for children to practice teamwork, resolve conflicts, and discover shared interests. For children with social challenges, these activities may require extra support, but the benefits are invaluable: building friendships, improving communication, and developing a sense of identity and independence.
For Adults: Reconnecting With Yourself and Others
Social wellness isn’t just for children—adults need it, too. In our busy lives, it's easy to fall into patterns of isolation or routine-based interactions. Investing time and energy into relationships that nourish us is crucial.
Here are some ways to boost your own social wellness:
Check in with yourself: Are your relationships balanced and mutually supportive?
Reach out: Reconnect with friends or family you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Set boundaries: Respect your own limits and communicate them clearly.
Seek out community: Join a book club, attend a fitness class, or volunteer locally.
Be present: Practice active listening and mindful conversation.
Connection doesn’t always mean talking—it can be as simple as being with someone, sharing space, or showing empathy.
The Link Between Social Wellness and Emotional Health
There’s a deep and lasting connection between our social experiences and emotional health. Positive relationships can act as a buffer during times of stress or change. They provide emotional validation, perspective, and tangible support. On the other hand, unhealthy or absent connections can leave us feeling misunderstood, lonely, and disconnected.
For children with autism or ADHD, navigating the social world can come with unique emotional stressors. They may struggle with social cues, sensory overload, or emotional regulation. Parents, too, may feel isolated or unsure of how best to support their child’s social development.
Your Guide to Thriving Relationships This Month Starts With Hidden Treasures ABA
Your guide to thriving relationships this month starts with Hidden Treasures ABA. Since 2016, Hidden Treasures has been providing individualized, one-on-one support to children and families across the greater Los Angeles area. Their team specializes in helping children with autism and ADHD build the foundational skills they need to connect meaningfully with others—whether at home, in school, or out in the community. Therapy takes place in real-life settings, making skill-building practical, accessible, and relevant to each child’s daily life. By focusing on communication, emotional regulation, and social interaction, Hidden Treasures empowers children to thrive in their relationships and equips parents with tools to nurture connection and confidence.
At Hidden Treasures, the belief is simple but profound: every child deserves the chance to lead a fulfilling life, surrounded by support, understanding, and love. This Social Wellness Month, let’s celebrate the organizations, caregivers, educators, and families who work every day to make that vision a reality. In honor of Social Wellness Month, take a moment to reflect: What relationships bring you joy, strength, and belonging? What small steps can you take to deepen those connections? Whether you're nurturing a child’s growth or your own, social wellness is a lifelong journey—and every step forward matters.
