Making Friends

Friends are awesome! They boost our self-esteem and pick us up when we’re knocked down. They are by our side, cheering us on in the happy times and supporting us when life can be difficult.

Friendships beneficial for adults and kids. Friends encourage healthy behaviors. There are fewer cardiovascular, immune, and stress related health issues when we have relationships with others that foster self-care and happiness. Your children will benefit from your friendships. Children observe the way you interact, from the cashier at the grocery store to your spouse, so be intentional. Find ways to connect, outside of social media, with your family and friends.

Children also learn relationship-building skills by playing with you and others. Modeling kind interactions, sharing, taking turns, and being playful gives children the social tools they need to make friends. Try these ideas to help your kids make new friends.

Making Friends

• Be intentional by initiating new friendships and making time to strengthen existing connections. You are your children’s model for social skills as they watch you relate to others.
• Children learn relationship-building skills by playing with other children and family members. Play is the richest environment for learning and making friends.
• Model friendly interactions such as sharing, taking turn, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
• Role play meeting new friends using a handshake, eye contact, and a smile. Give your child opportunities to practice with family members. Provide an introduction tagline, for example, “Hi, I’m Tanner. It’s nice to meet you. What’s your name?”
• Keep in mind, making and keeping friends is an ongoing skill.

A friend loves at all times…
Proverbs 17:17a

Here’s my recommended reading list for young children on the topic of friendship.
You’re the Hugs to My Kisses by Barbara Herndon
The Little Book of Friendship   by Zach Bush & Laurie Friedman
The Berenstain Bears Faithful Friends by Jan & Mike Berenstain
One Big Heart by Lindsey Davis
Peanut Butter & Cupcake by Terry Border

Related Posts
First Friends: Encouraging Positive Sibling Relationships
Benefits of Intentional Friendships for Parents
Fostering Kid Friendships
Get Yourself Some Girlfriends, Godly Girlfriends

© 2023 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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