How to Help Your Child Make Friends

Trying to help your child make friends can be a challenge.

Children’s friendships are complex. They’re likely to make and fall out with friends throughout their childhood. It helps them learn how to communicate with others, problem solve, and develop social skills.

Many children have lots of friends, while others stick with one best friend. Some children struggle to make and keep positive friendships and will need extra support to tackle specific difficulties.

Ways to help your child make friends

Lots of children find it difficult to make friendships. Understanding why your child is struggling can help you plan ways to best support them.

There are a range of reasons why some children struggle to make and keep friends:

• • Low self-confidence

• • Naturally shy or quiet

• • Difficulties with communication skills

• • Struggle to manage their emotions

• • Challenges with sharing and turn-taking skills

• • Different interests and hobbies

You can’t force your child to make friends, but you can tackle any underlying problems that may affect them. You could help them develop conversation skills using role-play, teach turn-taking, and practise playing games if they find it hard to share or lose.