As your child starts school and advances through grades, you assume he is making friends in school. But, for some children, making friends is a frightening experience. No matter what age your child is, you can guide him toward making friends in school.
It's Elementary
During the early grade school years, one of the best things a parent can do is encourage his child to play with friends. It sounds simple, right? It is! Play time encourages basic social rules, including cooperating, not hurting someone else's feelings, and learning to take turns. Parents should support positive interaction. In time, your child will discover that developing a friendship with peers can be fun. Watch whom your child interacts with.
A playdate is a simple way for an inhibited child to get to know someone. Plus, the small number of participants provides a better chance of your child connecting with a classmate. An hour or two allows plenty of time for interaction. Make yourself available at the beginning of playtime, but if you sense that your child is self-conscious, back away a bit and let the kids find their own comfort zone.
In the Middle
During middle school, fitting in is important to your child. As a parent, you can help guide him to find friends who have similar values and interests. Share what qualities a good friend possesses and advise your child to avoid risky behavior.
Invite potential friends to your home to enjoy a movie or to work on homework projects. You will meet who your child considers a friend and will be able to watch their activities. At this age, students are unable to drive, so be willing to help out with transportation.
Introduce new activities, including after-school athletics or clubs and faith-based groups. Your child will meet new people at these activities, and since your child shares a similar interest in the activity, he will find he has something in common with others. This is a great conversation starter.
Higher Education
By the time your child reaches high school, making new friends can be intimidating. By this time, a child has usually established a core group of friends. But cliques form, and students can become the victim of bullies. Educating your child about peer pressure will help him to understand the value of friendship.
Encourage your child to join extra-curricular activities that interest him. Athletics, drama, music, politics, chess and mock trial are just a few examples of activities provided by school systems. He is likely to meet someone here who has the same interests and values.
Making friends in school doesn't have to be a cumbersome process. Parents can easily guide their children toward activities that offer enrichment and potential friendships.
 | Making new friends is a learned social skill that begins to develop as early as infancy. Parents can nurture this social skill and help their children choose positive friends. |
 | Making friends is an important part of life, without friends you would be a very lonely person. Yet nothing is scarier then going to a new place, be it school, work or a party, and not knowing anyone. |
 | There are ways to make friends outside of school. The following suggestions vary from elementary school-age to teenagers. Most are adaptable for any age. |
Kids meet and families move away, sometimes leaving the children devastated beyond what we can comprehend. Kids can often form quick bonds, close bonds, but that just means it'll be even harder when one of them is gone. |
When kids learn how to make friendship bracelets, they master a craft that is a really nice way for friends to express affection for each other. |
