| Having friends is a crucial part of our children's lives, | | | | child know that you are only a phone call away and |
| as well as a way for children to learn social skills. We | | | | they can come home anytime.It also helps to play |
| all want our children to enjoy lasting friendships; | | | | with your child on a regular basis. It will give you an |
| however, if your child is a little shy and seems | | | | idea where your child's strengths are and where he |
| reluctant to make friends sometimes a little help from | | | | or she may struggle. Your child may be awesome at |
| Mom or Dad is a good idea.If your child is on the shy | | | | video games but may have a hard time playing |
| side try helping them by providing positive social | | | | checkers or doing puzzles. These activities may |
| interactions without making them feel awkward or | | | | frustrate your child and should not be included in a |
| pushed. Play dates or other social interactions should | | | | play date.Try to find out what the flavour of the |
| be encouraged. This will give your child a chance to | | | | month is. Most children are often into some kind of |
| hone his social skills and increase his/her | | | | fads such as certain trading cards or a special video |
| confidence.We can't choose our children's friends so | | | | game that everyone must have. The latest trend |
| ask your child who he/she likes spending time with at | | | | may not thrill you but it offers great bonding material |
| school and contact the child's parents to suggest a | | | | and gives them something in common to talk about |
| get-together. Start by inviting one child over and | | | | while they are forming a friendship.It is also very |
| keep the time short to start with. One or two hours | | | | important to talk to your child's teacher about any |
| is enough time to get to know each other. Any | | | | concerns you may have and have and work |
| longer and they may start to squabble.Make sure to | | | | together on strategies to help your child make |
| provide games and activities for your child that he | | | | friends. Offer to volunteer in the classroom to get a |
| enjoys and is good at. This will help ensure that your | | | | good idea how your child interacts with his/her |
| child is comfortable and confident. Make a few | | | | peers.Most importantly try not to expect too much |
| suggestions but let your child pick the activity before | | | | from your child. Never make your child feel like they |
| the play date. It is a good idea to stay involved with | | | | are being forced to make friends. When a child is shy |
| your child and his potential | | | | too much pressure can make a child feel even more |
| pal. Don't just leave them alone and hope it all works | | | | insecure. Try not to focus on it and allow friendships |
| out. You can supervise a cooking or craft project but | | | | to develop naturally. In most cases shyness and |
| allow the children to do as much on their own as | | | | problems making friends for children is normal. But If |
| possible. If your child is uncomfortable with you | | | | your child constantly avoids eye |
| always being underfoot respect his/her wishes but | | | | contact, seems withdrawn or avoids children all |
| be available if there are any conflicts or they become | | | | together it is time to talk to your family Doctor."A |
| bored and want to change the activity.Try to | | | | friend is one who believes in you when you have |
| arrange regular play dates with the same children. If | | | | ceased to believe in yourself."Monicka and Cassie are |
| things go really well you can suggest an outing such | | | | editors of a dynamic website for parents. Self |
| as going to a movie or some other activity. When | | | | esteem building and goal setting for kids, parenting |
| your child is comfortable you can suggest that he or | | | | advice and resources, educational games, crafts and |
| she has a play date at his/her friends house. Let your | | | | learning activities for kids and preschoolers. |