Many adults believe that kids should naturally be able to express their thoughts and listen to others. They often think that kindness and respect should come easily to everyone. However, this isn’t the case. Nobody is born knowing how to make friends—just like any other important skill, children need to learn how to be good friends.
Good friendships are something every child needs in their life. Friends who support and help each other, who lift each other up instead of tearing each other down, are essential. Plus, having good friends helps kids learn compassion—they pick it up by seeing it in action.
Of course, not every kid can make friends right away. Shy kids and those who have trouble talking or working together typically find it difficult, if not impossible, to make new friends.
Starting with infant care in Silver Spring, MD, parents and caregivers help children develop empathy and respect by demonstrating tolerance, love, and understanding.
It should come as no surprise that children are more likely to make friends with kids they enjoy being around. Kids are also more likely to make friends with kids they trust and who help build them up. Furthermore, children with comparable interests and personal traits are likelier to become friends.
Kids don’t learn to be good friends simply by playing with other kids. Parents and caregivers from Silver Spring Preschool must take the time to teach children how to be good friends.
One of the most important things to remember when teaching children how to be good friends is ensuring they understand how valuable good friendships are. Parents must take the time to explain to their kids that being a good friend means more than just being kind and listening. Good friends also share with each other and care about one another’s feelings. You should also talk about how good friends make you happy and how they can help you when you’re upset or sad.
Kids must learn to wait their turn and share to be good friends. Sharing and waiting for their turn can also teach kids to be kind, gentle, and willing to work with others.
Whether it’s through play or by allowing them to share their food, toys, or other belongings with others, you want to encourage kids to share. By sharing your items with your child or others, you may also serve as an example of sharing behavior and demonstrate the joys of sharing with them. Kids also love praise, so take the time to praise them every time you catch them sharing. The more praise they receive, the more likely they are to repeat that behavior.
Taking turns is hard, but it is something that kids must be taught to do. Some things kids can do together are play board games like “Snakes and Ladders,” classic games like “Simon Says,” puzzles, use swings and slides, and share stories. You can praise your child when they take turns, like when they share.
Children view parents and caregivers from a preschool in Silver Spring as role models. Children learn how to treat their friends by the way the adults in their lives treat their friends. When you talk to family, friends, and strangers, be kind and respectful and show them how to settle disagreements peacefully.
A great way to teach kids how to be good friends is to read books where the characters must deal with different kinds of friendship situations. As you read, pause to talk about what the people are doing and how they are acting. After the story is over, talk about how the problem was solved and what you would do differently next time.
Children learn how to be good friends via practice and patience. So, it’s important not to get too upset when your child acts mean in a way that’s normal for their age.
For instance, little kids often try to take other kids’ things while playing. When you see this happen, the best thing you can do is stay calm and use it as a chance to teach them what to do. Tell your kid quietly that taking other kids’ toys is not okay. Explain to them that their actions may have caused their friend pain and ask them to say sorry.
You also need to take the time to explain to them what they could have done differently. You could say, “Ask your friend if you can take turns playing with that toy.” Because of this, your child will learn how to handle their feelings in a good way. They’ll use these tactics on their own in the long run.
Making friends is hard, but it’s even worse when you are young. First, work with your child in small groups to help them learn how to make good friends so they can use what they’re learning without getting too stressed out.
When inviting kids to play, only have one or two over at a time. Once everyone has been introduced, step back and let the kids lead. Do not go too far! Stay close by so you can help your kid deal with any problems that come up with friends.
Also, consider the children’s age. Kids play differently at every age, and each stage has its own rules for how friends should act.
Nothing can compare to a good friendship, yet children do not always know how to be excellent friends on their own. With some coaching from parents and caregivers at a preschool in Silver Spring, MD, children will learn the value of friendship and how to be the best friend possible.
Whatever stage your child is at in their friendship journey, you can help them by modeling the attributes of a good friend, talking about friendly characteristics, and giving them plenty of practice.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.