Ways to Encourage Your Kid to Make Friends

For children there is nothing better than playing, except playing with friends in a group of their peers. Kids love spending time with other kids their age. Although not all children are as open or sociable, for some kids it is very hard to make friends because they are either shy or nervous. Kids that act different than others can easily end up being the unpopular ones, without even doing anything wrong. It is up to the parents to help them through childhood, which is hard on its own. So what can parents do to help their child when it comes to making friends?

Sit down with your children
Everybody knows that it is really important to take the time to talk to you children. This should be done even from an early age. Kids who are seen as introverts are not keen on talking and sharing thoughts. Being genuinely interested into what they have to say might make them open up to their parents more. This should not be forced in any way, if they are not open to the idea of talking with their parents don’t rush things, wait for another opportunity. Try pointing out that the way they act is not wrong in any way, but it would be really good to become more active and social.

Party time
Kids love parties, it can be a great way to meet new friends, get together with old ones and become a more social person. Throwing a party as a teenager can gain you a lot of popularity and skyrocket you on the social ladder. The same goes for kids of young age, they will be seen by their peers as popular. And what could be more popular than having your kids’ favorite Superheroes coming to the party. A well-organized party should make others forget that your kid isn’t very social and doesn’t like to talk. This could make other kids include your into their activities and new friendships for your loved one.

Dealing with crises
Children learn how to behave through situations that they encounter. Of course it will happen that the kids will sometimes act badly. It is important to see your kid’s reaction in certain situations and correct its behavior if needed. Praising and scolding shouldn’t be overdone. If the children sometimes don’t get what they want they should cry and scream in public. On the other hand they should brag and boast in front of other children. Simply use positive reinforcement when they act appropriately, and in a normal voice explain if their behavior isn’t acceptable.

Group activities
Motivate your kids to become more active through some extracurricular activities. If your kid has an affinity for a certain sport, encourage them to try it out. Kids who play sports are always popular with their peers. This can be a great idea since they will have a common interest with other kids, they spend a lot of time together and eventually become friends. Same goes for other activities besides sport. Encourage them to try an instrument, learn a craft, and take up dancing if they are into it. This only gives your children more chance to become social.

It is not possible to implement all of this overnight. Have patience with your child and give them time to grow into a more sociable person. Simply give them support and be there for them and don’t try to force them into something they don’t like.

About author:

Tracey Clayton

Author, HighStyleLife

tracey.clayton@highstylife.com 

Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids, and offers helpful advice in hers parenting articles. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”