Friends are important to the children. Research shows that children who have no friends can suffer from difficulties later in life. Friendship provides children with more than just fun. By making friends, children learn how to get in touch with others and solve problems. Having friends even does good to children's study for they can help each other after class.
If parents care about their children whether they have made many friends, what matters is that the child is comfortable and happy with his friends. Parents need to understand the steps children take in building friendships.
First of all, be a friend of your child's. Good friendships start at home. Children begin to develop the necessary ability to go out and meet others through getting on with their parents. Greet the child warmly and let him know you are glad to see him. Children learn a lot from how their parents stay with them and other people.
Teach children how to solve conflicts. Being able to work out conflicts is an important skill in getting along with others. If parents know the children have a conflict, let them work it out on their own. Only step in if it is really necessary, for example, an argument is getting physical.
Give children chances to practise staying together. Make children play games that require teamwork and group problem-solving skills. For example, races are fun and provide plenty of practice in teamwork. "In what way didn't you work well together? What might you do differently next time?" For these ideas, read books such as Cooperative Sports and Games Book by Terry Orlick, and Team Building Activities for Every Group by Alanna Jones.
Encourage children to express thanks to others. Parents can encourage children to do this by setting examples for them.
