From Shy to Social: Help Your Child Make Friends at School
New classrooms, corners filled with toys, an imaginative library, and unique play areas – it all seems so exciting from the eyes of the little one. But for some children, it can be intimidating.
But with a good friend on the side, the new environment, new faces, & new routine become less daunting and more enjoyable for the preschoolers.
Wondering ‘how to help my daughter make friends’, or ‘how to help my son make friends’? Leading pre-school in Gurgaon believes that friendship-building is a skill that children can learn and practice with the right guidance. With your little support, they find their best buddy for the journey of exploration.
First, let’s explore why making friends is important for your child.
The importance of friends in early childhood
Childhood friendships are more than just playtime partners. Friendships in preschool are the first relationships your child forms outside their home. It shapes their idea of the world and lays the foundation for many life skills.
- Boosts emotional well-being
Having friends at school makes a child feel safe, valued, & emotionally secure.
- Develops social skills
Sharing toys and playing together teach kids essential social skills which can’t be learned through books.
- Encourages confidence & independence
When kids come out of their comfort zone and coordinate, they develop confidence to interact with new people.
- Promotes empathy & understanding
Friendships make children understand other people’s feelings and celebrate each other’s achievements.
- Supports academic growth
Strong friendships motivate kids to go to school, engage in activities, and explore new activities together.
How to help your child make friends at school?
Let’s explore gentle, practical, and effective ways you can support your child in forming meaningful friendships.
- Teach what true friendship looks like
Before you let your little one on the quest of finding their best buddy, make them understand what it means to be a ‘good friend.’ Teach them the values this beautiful relationship is based on – kindness, empathy, trust, & respect. When children know what a healthy friendship looks like, they are better prepared to form their own.
- Develop crucial conversation skills
Every good friendship starts with a great conversation. Encourage your child to greet others, ask questions, & listen patiently. Share with them some friendly conversation starters like ‘Can I join the game? Or, I like your toy, can we play together? These simple prompts will give them the confidence to initiate connections, making the answer to ‘How to make friends at school as a kid?’ much easier.
- Address problematic behaviours
Sometimes children struggle with behaviour or actions that push the other kid away, like not taking turns or snatching the toy from the other person. Instead of scolding, guide them towards better choices. Teach them the importance of sharing and help them embrace empathy. This positive change will make them approachable and help them connect better with their peers.
- Create social scenarios
Social skills aren’t learned in a day; it takes years to master with lots of practice. Role-playing social scenarios with your little one can help prepare for real-life situations. Pretend you are a classmate and let your child start a conversation and approach you to join in play. This playful preparation builds both confidence and social skills.
- Plan playdates at home
Gelling up with large groups is intimidating for the child. Playdates at home provide a smaller and comfortable setting to connect with peers. Invite their favourite pals to their home for a fun activity, then step back, let them play, & just observe. This will give them time and space to strengthen their bond.
- Guide in spotting a good friend
Not every friend would be the right fit for your child. To help your child identify a compatible buddy, ask them what qualities they would adore in their friend. Encourage them to connect with kids at school who share similar hobbies & interests. This way, they will learn to choose a healthy relationship while avoiding negative influences later on in their life.
- Help in handling rejection gracefully
Every child faces rejection in friendship. They might feel discouraged when someone refuses to play with them. But rejection is a part of life. Help your child come to terms with it and learn this important life lesson. Reassure them that not everyone is supposed to be their friend, and not all friendships last. It will build resilience and emotional strength for the future.
Conclusion
Friendship is the most beautiful gift of childhood. Beansprouts, the top pre-school in Gurgaon, empowers kids with socio-emotional skills and helps form friendships that last a lifetime. So the next time you wonder, ‘how to make friends at school as a kid,’ remember, with your support, they will not just find friends but learn what friendship truly means.