Does your child seem to be shy in the playground? Do they want to join in on games but do not know how? Making friends can be tricky, but irrespective of your child’s personality, there are techniques to make meaningful connections. Let us have a look at how to do that in our article.
How to encourage your child to make friends?
It can be tricky to make friends and maintain friendships. Let us look at some steps to do so:
1. Host group activities that encourage participation:
Kids work better when they are involved in group activities. So, if a child seems to be struggling socially, involving them in group activities can be a good start. Steer clear of competitive games as they might spark conflict. Hence, go for group activities like baking, gardening, etc.
2. Teach them how to compromise and negotiate:
Compromising and negotiating can be peaceful ways to resolve conflicts and develop relationships with peers. You can create hypothetical social clashes and ask your child their opinion on how to resolve the clashes. Correct them if their approach is wrong.
3. Teach them to say “sorry” and “thank you.”
Everyone makes mistakes. If your child has committed a mistake, teach them to express remorse and say “sorry”. If your child has received help, a gift, or kindness from someone, teach them to be grateful and say “thank you”. These small words can go a long way in maintaining friendships.
4. Shut off those devices:
Being engrossed in television, mobile phones, or computers can shut down social interactions and reduce the time spent on communication. Shut them off during critical times like family dinners, playtime, or events.
5. Do not force them to make friends!
Some children simply enjoy being in their own company, and that is fine too! Preferring solitude does not equate to being lonely. Having just two to three friends is just fine!
What can you do as a parent?
Children take after their parents. As a parent, you need to be a good role model to your kids. Do not fight or argue in front of kids. Make sure to be empathetic to everyone and resolve conflicts through patience rather than aggression.
Open up about your emotions. It is okay to talk about your fears in front of your child. This can help your child open up, too. For instance, if you are anxious about speaking in a group setting, express yourself by saying, “I am a bit nervous about speaking in front of everyone today, but I will be fine.”
Guide but do not control!
You can monitor your child’s interactions from afar, but do not get too involved. Overinvolvement can make your child embarrassed and scare away potential friends. Of course, there are exceptions to this! If your child is being bullied or your child is not interacting at all, then stepping in would be necessary. Talk to your child and be supportive. Provide advice whenever necessary.
Conclusion
Friendships cannot be forced. Developing friendships can require love, patience, and encouragement. A slight push can help guide your child in the right direction and they can learn to communicate and form deep connections as well.
