8 Ways to Help Kids Make Great Friends This School Year
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Not every child automatically develops with impeccable social skills and the self-confidence to put that charm to use amongst peers. While some kids are naturally more comfortable making friends, parents can also play a major part when it comes to their kiddo's interpersonal development. Parents not only show children the steps involved with actually making friends but they also help them develop essential skills that will make this process easier. Here are eight essential ways moms and dads can aid their little ones in making those coveted — and lasting — friendships with peers.
Encourage Self-Control
From a young age, teach your child how to limit aggressive behavior and control self-involved impulses. It’s easier to befriend a selfless kid than a selfish one! You might want to also consider limiting competitive games during initial play dates and opting for collaborative activities instead.
Be Open
Not only is it important to encourage your child to have an open mind when it comes to all different types of kids, it’s just as important that you’re supportive of their different friendships. While explaining that friendships can be made in unexpected circumstances, you should also follow their lead with kids they might click with organically and not just force potential friendships on them out of concern or convenience.
Don’t Overlook Verbal Skills
It’s important for your child to be comfortable holding a friendly conversation even with someone they don’t know well. Being able to easily engage in polite dialogue quickly opens up the possibility of forming new friendships with minimal effort.
Create Their Moral Compass
Emphasizing certain qualities like helpfulness and empathy will show your child that you value caring and sympathetic qualities over just independent success. Let them know what is expected of them no matter where they are and that they have to put just as much thought and energy into developing these qualities as they would into honing their physical skills.
Teach Them How to Read Body Language
Being able to sense how a person is feeling without having to directly be told is a useful skill that can be essential to forming new bonds amongst peers. Being able to interpret facial expression and body language allows children to offer empathy during times of distress. They will also learn how to choose upbeat times to joke around when that peer is most receptive to playing.
Be Their Social Guide
Don't be their social dictator but instead encourage your child to navigate social situations independently while also offering support when needed. Be his or her sounding board during difficult situations but don't get overly involved with every hurt feeling. Instead, encourage inclusive actions while also allowing them to figure some situations out independently.
Foster Concern For Others
Teaching your child not only about empathy but also how to appropriately demonstrate that concern for others will help them to realize the impact of their actions. Being able to think beyond themselves and consider ramifications for others is a vital quality to be a good friend at any age.
Model Strong Relationships
The best way for your child to learn how to be a good friend is by showing them. Let them see how to engage in new relationships outside of the family unit, how to treat others with dignity and respect, what goes into nurturing these relationships, and how they can enhance your lives.