Making friends
I’m worried that my six-year-old son isn’t making any friends at school. He’s very shy in social situations and struggles with meeting new people. Since starting school in September, he still hasn’t made any close friends, and I worry this will affect him when he’s older. How can I help him?
In terms of development, making a friend in school is every bit as important as getting a good grade. Learning how to form successful relationships is a critical skill for kids, but some have a harder time fitting in. While parents can’t make friends for their children, they can help them develop important social skills.
Building social skills
If you notice that your child is struggling to interact with his peers, try some coaching at home. Emphasise taking turns and sharing during family playtime and explain that friends expect the same good behaviour. As a parent, you should also be careful to demonstrate good social behaviour yourself when talking to family members and your own friends.
Practise playdates
Supervised playdates are a great way for children to build their social muscles. Spend some time reviewing social cues and talking to your child about what it means to be a good host. Children learn from the natural consequences of their actions, so it’s important to let them practise socialising in a warm, supportive setting.
Helping shy kids
Some children need more time to warm up to new situations. Expecting every child to jump in and be the leader of the group isn’t realistic, so avoid pushing too hard. However, you shouldn’t keep shy kids at home. Clubs are a good way for kids to make friends, as they provide structure that helps minimise anxiety. Parents can help shy kids rehearse ahead of time for a situation that makes them nervous, like going to a birthday party. 45