This article focuses on why and how speech-language pathologists and other professionals can encourage the involvement of parents in teaching social communication skills to their young children. Four main topics are explored: (1) the evidence that many of the children with special needs served by speech-language pathologists and other professionals demonstrate deficits in social communication skill development, (2) the legislated mandate to involve families in the education of their children with special needs, (3) the conclusion reached by many investigators and practitioners that social learning necessitates utilization of natural social learning settings, and (4) the consideration of cultural differences represented by the families served. Suggestions for how speech-language pathologists and other professionals who work with families of young children with social skill deficits can enhance social skill development are included.