Friends

Friends are an important part of childhood and you want to make sure that your child develops good friendships early on.  It’s easiest to make the best choices for your children while they are young.

Have your children invite their friends to play at your house.  This gives you a chance to see how they play together and how they interact with other members of your family.  Become acquainted with their parents also, and you will find that this will help you understand their family situation.  Help your child to understand what your values are and to recognize the same values in friends that they make.

Teach your kids values that are important to you, like being honest, and make sure they understand that it applies to friends too.  I had a daughter who came to me because a friend wanted her to lie to me about going to the mall.  She told me what she really wanted to do, and what her friend thought she should say.  After her friend went home that day, we talked about what makes a good friend.  She decided that she didn’t want a friend that was going to try to get her to lie.

Realize that all children are different.  You might have a child that has fifteen friends and makes new friends easily.  Then you might have another child who only has one or two friends, but has a closer friendship with them.  Recognize what works for your child and help them develop the relationships that fit with their own personality.

Helping your child understand how to be a good friend will help them recognize good friends also.  It is so much easier to influence your children while they are young.  Take advantage of these opportunities while you can.

Kids Club

There are times when your child will need to learn how to make new friends.  These times include when they starting school or changing to a new school, if you move, or if people have moved into your neighborhood.  This can be scary for some kids.  Here are some ways to help your child make new friends.

Give them something to do with the new friend.  Asking another child to play in the sprinklers is less intimidating than just asking them to play.  Your child will not have to worry about thinking of something to do when the friend comes over.

Find instances when your child can talk to other children.  When you go to the park, help your child say hi and be friendly to other kids.  This will help them get over the shyness that can come when talking to someone they don’t know.

Make friends with the parents of new neighbors, and invite them and their children over.  This can be less stressful for your kids and give them the confidence they need.  You are close by, and they can watch you make new friends as well.  Your example can teach them.

Start out by having cousins come play if possible.  If your child hasn’t played with a lot of children, this can be an easy way to learn the social skills to get along with others.  Family members are easier because you already know them, and they are less forgiving if your child decides to bite their child.

Helping your child learn to make new friends is a great way to give them the confidence they need in school and throughout life.  Using these tips and others can help make finding new friends easier.

—–

P8ANJE8NJTFD