How to Help Kids Make Friends (Youth Programs)
Just about every child will benefit from coaching and practice in the social arts. All around the world, successful friendship depends on the same, fundamental skills.
To be successful, kids must:
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Regulate their own, negative emotions;
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Understand other people’s emotions and perspectives;
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Show sympathy, and offer help to friends in need;
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Feel secure and trusting of other people;
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Know how to handle introductions, and participate in conversation;
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Be capable of cooperation, negotiation, and compromise;
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Know how to apologize, and make amends; and
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Be understanding (and forgiving) of other people’s mistakes.
Honing these skills requires experience, effort, and practice. Children look to adults as role-models and for support.
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Show your child warmth and respect. Don’t try to control your child through threats, punishments, or emotional “blackmail.”
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Be your child’s “emotion coach.”
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Nurture your child’s ability to empathize.
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Is your child socially anxious? Provide a secure social environment.
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Address your child’s aggressive or disruptive behavior problems.
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Teach your child crucial conversation skills.
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Host social activities that encourage cooperation — not competition.
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Show your child how to handle awkward social situations.
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Help kids learn the art of compromise and negotiation.
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Teach your child how to express remorse and make amends.
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Encourage your child to be understanding and forgiving of other people’s mistakes.
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Monitor your child’s social life but be careful about becoming too controlling — especially as your child gets older.
Check out your local Child and Youth Programs for opportunities for your child, youth, or teen to make new friends!