The authors provide a clear and concise insight into the questions of what exactly is meant by "socially competent behavior," how social competence develops, and what influences it. Among the developmental tasks in childhood and adolescence, the development of social competence is as important as physical and mental development. When observing many children and adolescents or interviewing their parents and educators, one often encounters exaggerated behavior on one side and excessive overwhelm on the other. In this context, the question arises: Why do many children and adolescents find it difficult to behave and act socially competently?.