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How to Help Your School-Age Child Make Friends and Build Social Skills

Parents understand how important it is for kids to make friends at school—friends brighten our lives, boost self-confidence, and even help with math tables! As a child grows, making friends at their preschool in Silver Spring is just as important as schoolwork. For kids, learning to get along with peers is an essential skill they’ll continue to develop and rely on throughout their lives.

However, some kids struggle to fit in. Kids might struggle with important social activities like sharing a toy or playing make-believe. While parents can’t make friends for their children, they can help them develop essential social skills. If your child is having trouble making friends or facing rejection from peers, here are some ways you can support them.

Why is My Child Not Making Friends at School?

It takes skill to make and keep friends. Some kids learn how to easily make friends from a very young age, while others need more time. Maybe your child just hasn’t found someone they truly connect with yet.

Some children feel nervous or hesitant to approach others. Others might start a conversation but struggle to find engaging topics, or they may talk about something that doesn’t interest their peers, unaware that the other kids are losing interest.

If a child struggles to make friends, it’s not a reflection of who they are or their likability. They may simply need some guidance in building friendships.

How Do I Help My Kids Make Friends at School?

There is no magic answer to how kids make friends. For kids to get along with each other, they need to have a variety of social skills. You might worry or give up when your child has trouble making friends. You’re not the only parent who feels this way. Parents want their kids to be healthy and happy, and one big part of that is being able to make good friends. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your child feel lonely.

Let’s talk about what you can do to help your kids make friends at their preschool in Silver, Spring, MD.

Two girls at school happy and socializing while sharing some books at a table.

Encourage Your Kid to Go Out and Make Friends

Encouraging your kid to go out and make friends is one of the best things you can do to help your child learn how to get along with others. This will help them practice getting along with other people. Encourage them to play with other often.

For instance, sign them up for clubs or events that interest them. You could also sign them up for after-school programs or summer camps that focus on sports or singing.

Talk About What a Good Friend Is

Talk about what makes a good friend. This can teach your kid what to look for and how to be a good friend. Good friends try not to make each other sad. Close friends help each other out. When friends don’t agree, they can be nice about it.

Show Them How to Make Friends by Modeling the Right Behavior

You know that your kids notice everything you do, even if you sometimes wish they didn’t. Make the most out of this! Because you are the parent and are someone your kids see as a role model, you should be aware of how you act around your kids. Be a good model by being kind and polite to strangers, family members, and friends.

Help Them Join in on Activities

It’s important for kids to engage with others, so teach your child to observe what other kids are doing and figure out the best way to join in. That could mean that your child asks the other kids if they want to play or join in, or they could offer to help out with the activity, for example, by bringing a toy or video game. Teens can feel more confident by learning about an activity or interest beforehand, making it easier to join in and connect with others.

Two happy boys hugging.

Teach Your Kids About Sharing

Sharing with others is an essential social skill that helps kids learn to care for and understand others. It also teaches them how important it is to work together and share resources. Encourage your child to share their toys with other kids at their Silver Spring preschool and at home. Make sure to praise them when they do. Sharing is a big part of how kids learn to get along with others.

Teach Your Kids About the Different Kinds of Friends

Children must understand that there are many different kinds of friends and that not all friendships are going to be the same. Teach your child that different friends bring different strengths—some are great to talk to, others for schoolwork or sports. Understanding this can help them appreciate friendships for what they are and avoid unnecessary hurt feelings.

Happy friends at school at the library.

Explain to Your Kid Friendships Can Change

Around fourth grade, children become highly aware of different values and points of view. When a buddy crosses the boundary and engages in behaviors such as lying, cheating, or bullying, your child may feel uncomfortable and unsure how to respond.

Tell your child that friendships might change over time. It’s okay to desire to hang out with other kids who share your interests. Friendships might drift apart as individuals’ interests change.

Final Thoughts

When helping your child develop friendships and social skills, encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and make their own choices. Even though they might need some help making friends, letting them pick their own friends and handle their social interactions helps them become more independent and improves their ability to make choices.

Supporting your child’s friendships also means staying active and up-to-date on their social life, being willing to talk about their friends, and being there for them when they need advice. Parents play an important role in guiding their kids to make and maintain meaningful friendships throughout childhood.

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