Teaching kids how to make and keep friends

Kids who know how to make friends tend to be happier throughout their lives. Research shows that children can learn the skills they need to make and keep friends. Some kids need more help than others learning these skills.

First, teach your child to use common courtesy. Kids who have a lot of friends are thoughtful of others. They say things like “Excuse me” or “Thanks” a lot.

Kids who make friends easily are also willing to cooperate with others. If other children are playing a game, they are willing to join in and follow the same game rules. They don’t always have to get their own way.

As a parent, you can serve as a role model for your child. Let him see you spending time with your friends. If you are helping a friend, say’ “Friends help each other when they need it.”

You can also help your child learn to consider his or her friend’s opinions, likes and dislikes. You might say, “What is Tom’s favorite subject in school?”

Help your child learn how to disagree with someone while still respecting them. You do that when you calmly correct your child. You do it when you insist that your children talk about their disagreements, too.

For more information on helping children to develop friendships download: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FY/FY54500.pdf.