Helping Kids Make Friends At School

Making friends is a key part of your child's well-being and even his/her school success. Here are four ways you can help your child have a healthy social life:

Teach Empathy. An important social skill is taking another person's perspective. Coach your children by asking "How do you think he felt in that situation?"

Emphasize Friendships, Not Popularity. After first grade, popularity becomes important to kids. Encourage your child to develop three or four close friends and don't get caught up in having a "cool kid."

Get to Know Parents. Have a barbeque and invite a few families over. Not only will you get to know the parents, but your children will have an opportunity to socialize with the other kids. This is especially helpful if your child is shy.

Guide, But Don't Interfere. Conflict is inevitable, but kids need to learn their own conflict resolution skills. Help your children understand others' perspectives and communicate with kindness, but don't step in and solve the problem for them.

Homework Helps
Preparing for Peer Pressure
Dealing with a Bully