Search
Close this search box.

Share what kind of mom you are!

Get to know other mom types!

Four Ways to Help Your Child Make Friends

Some kids are naturally social and make friends easily. But for others, it’s not so simple. This matters because childhood friendships aren’t just a luxury—they’re a vital part of a child’s social and emotional development.

While interacting with friends, children learn social skills such as how to communicate, cooperate, and solve problems. They practice controlling their emotions and responding to the emotions of others. Having friends even affects school performance, as children tend to have better attitudes about school and learning when they have friends there.

You can help your child by paying attention to the health of his social life, using these tips to help him make friends, and looking out for the signs of social distress that might require a more hands-on approach from you.

1. Teach friendship skills

  • Model consideration and thoughtfulness.
  • Set clear rules for appropriate behavior.
  • Teach sharing and compromising.
  • Teach realistic expectations for young friendships.
  • Encourage showing support and appreciation for others.
  • Teach inclusion.

2. Help your child make connections.

  • Arrange play dates.
  • Participate in after-school programs, scouts, church youth groups.
  • Develop creative or athletic interests.

3. Be your child’s #1 self-confidence booster.

  • Listen to and love your child.
  • Enlist grandparents and other relatives to encourage and spend time with your child.
  • Let teachers and coaches know if your child needs encouragement.

4. Teach your child the making friends guide.

  • Smile so people will know you are friendly. (When you smile, it instantly tells people you are friendly)
  • Compliment so people will know you like them. (Tell the child what you like about them or mention something they did well.)
  • Ask Questions so people will know you are interested in them. (Have 1 or 2 questions to ask them about themselves.)
  • Respond Positively so people will know you can be a good friend. (Make positive comments about their answers.)

Know the Signs of a Child in Social Distress

80% of all children in school usually have at least one friend. It is the other 20% of the children that psychologists are concerned about. They fall into three categories: overlooked children (5%); controversial children (5%); and rejected children (10%). Overlooked children tend to be very shy, very close to their families, and good students. They don’t attract much attention from their peers. Controversial children may have some traits that their peers like, but they also have unacceptable habits — being a poor sport or having poor hygiene, for example. Rejected children are often overly aggressive from the start and react to being rejected with more aggression, or they become depressed and withdrawn.

Overlooked children learn good relational skills at home and will most often overcome shyness with maturity. Controversial children need to be coached to correct their unacceptable habits. Rejected, angry children may need counseling. For controversial and rejected children, it is crucial that parents find friendships in other venues: youth groups, sports teams, community service projects, or with cousins and neighbors. School administrators can make a huge difference in the lives of at-risk children, so be sure to talk to teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators about the help they can offer. It only takes one real friend to alleviate the worst aspects of loneliness for a child.

Know When to Seek Professional Advice

If you child’s inability to make friends begins to affect them in a negative way, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Begin with your pediatrician. Early intervention is ideal for helping children form healthy friendships.

Let’s Talk: How do you help your child make new friends?

ASK YOUR CHILD...

Is there anyone in your class who doesn’t have a friend? How can you be their friend?

Get daily motherhood

ideas, insight, &inspiration

to your inbox!

Search