As a mom, it’s easy to feel like your child isn’t making any friends. You may worry that she isn’t going to find someone to play with, especially if you move around a lot. If she’s quiet or likes to spend time by herself, you may need to help her make some new friends. Here are some tips to get you started.
Send Out Invitations for a Play Date
You don’t need a birthday to throw a party. Having play dates are great ways for children to get to know each other and have fun together. They’re also great for you and the parents of the other children. Send out invitations for your children’s school friends or invite the children in your neighbourhood.
Focus on the Quality of Friendships
It’s not about who has the most friends. You want to focus on the quality of friendships. If your child has two great friends but no others, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
However, you may want to find out why she doesn’t have any other friends and whether it bothers her. Sit down with your child and talk to her about the situation.
Help Her Develop Social Skills
Social skills aren’t things taught in schools. It’s up to parents to help develop these. Take your child to the park or where other groups of children are and encourage her to talk to others and play with her. You can also teach her how to be more social from the home.
Help Your Child Fit In
As they get older, children develop their own identities and personalities. However, at a young age, they want to fit in with the other kids. This is the best way to make new friends. Help your child fit in as much as possible. It could mean buying the latest new bag or hair clips, or it could be buying the newest toy. However, don’t let this put you out of pocket.
Teach How to Share
Younger children, especially only children, don’t really get the concept of sharing. If they see someone with a toy, they want it and they don’t want to play with that other child.
You need to teach the concept of sharing and encourage them to play with others. As they get older, the idea of sharing will help them make new friends and play with the other children around them.
Try Not to Force Them
It’s heartbreaking to see your children sitting alone while others are playing, but sometimes that’s just what they want to do. They may love to have their nose in a book, or enjoy playing with dolls on their own. If you force them to do something, children will act out and resent you for it.
While you want to encourage them, you need to accept that every child is different and yours may be one who is happy spending time alone. However, when she wants to make new friends, help her every way you can.