How do you help your child make friends?

School friendships are an essential part of children’s development and personality formation, as they are as important as academic excellence. However, some children find it difficult to integrate with their peers, and here comes the role of parents in teaching communication and social interaction skills.

According to a report issued by the Child Mind Institute, which specializes in mental health, parents can support their children through home training in taking turns and participating during play, and encouraging them to express their feelings in positive ways.

Psychologist Mary Rooney confirms that impulsive children may face rejection from their classmates because of their quick behavior or anger when losing, while more distracted children feel lost within playgroups. Therefore, she recommends implementing “role-playing” exercises at home to teach them how to resolve conflicts.

As for shy children, Dr. Rachel Bosman suggests organizing short, comfortable play dates at home, where they can interact without worry. She adds that what is important is not the number of friends, but the quality of the friendship, as even one supportive friend can make a big difference in a child’s self-confidence.

Parents are also advised to be role models in social behavior for their children, and to give them gradual opportunities to engage in group activities or clubs that suit their inclinations.
Experts stress the importance of understanding the child’s personality, because introversion is not a weakness, but rather it may be an expression of a love of creative isolation.

In the end, friendship remains for children the first school of life, where they learn sharing, tolerance, and communication, which are skills that will accompany them throughout their lives.