Last Updated on November 11, 2022
How can we help kids make friends? Well, it might seem daunting, assuming what we can do is not very much, since it’s a personal business, after all!
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Playdates at the park. Backyard (or apartment!) games of hide-and-seek. Tea parties and hours spent playing cricket and football. Having friends is not only fun but is also important for a child. Friendships are critical to helping children improve their communication, sharing, empathy, problem-solving, teamwork and creativity.
Although some children are naturally social, shyness can be a barrier for other kids in developing friendships. There’s no need to make your child into a social butterfly, but then, making them socially confident? Yes, that’s a great thing to do.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to help your child make new friends. Let’s start with baby steps, shall we:
Start with small steps: What you can do is begin by exposing your little one to social situations, little by little, each day. Nothing too scary, nothing too challenging. But, small exposures every day with you are bound to make a world of difference.
For example: Take your kid out for a treat with your neighbour and their child. It’s an easy way to start a friendship!
Practice saying hello: One of the toughest things to do generally, even for us as adults, is picking up the courage to go and say hello to a stranger. Well, practice this with your child in different situations till they are comfortable with the thought of basic social greetings.
For example: Ask them to greet different family members every time they see them. These are known faces, so it gets easier to say hello!
Playdate at home: If your child is shy, they are most comfortable in their own home. So, it’s a lot easier to plan a fun playdate with a few children that they have met occasionally.
For example: Why not plan a tea party or a cushion-fort building fun time at home? Or even fun board games that they have played with the family!
Show off your social skills: Whether you like it or not, your child is observing you closely, and whatever you do will be copied and followed for a long time! Well, you can use this to your advantage – if you mingle with people and display a positive behaviour pattern, it is sure to be copied by your little one. Hey, don’t forget to praise your little one when they go out of their way to do something new!
For example: Meeting up with other parents whom your child interacts with, or new parents with kids at home or outside once a month helps break the ice for both of you!
Involve them in team activities: Involving your little one in team activities is a big bonus – involving them in playing games for example, teaches them to wait their turn, be patient, understand what the other person is feeling, sharing and so many other crucial skills that one needs to grow up to be a happy individual.
For example: Got a field or play area nearby? Why not ask the parents to get their children, get rackets or footballs and plan a fun evening once a week?
It’s always a good thing to remember that young kids develop social-emotional skills over time, and then, some children are naturally more social than others. Observe your little one to understand what they need and desire from friendships. Keep expectations realistic, and offer support where you can! We hope this article has helped you with your little one! Do let us know in the comments below!
