07 Mar, 2024
By Jessica Chamoun, Intervention Specialist According to research, kids who have close social ties perform better academically, have better mental health, show higher self-esteem, and experience a stronger sense of belonging. Forming friendships is a key component of growing up and plays a significant role in a child's social and emotional development. The support from parents and adults is a crucial component in helping children make and maintain healthy relationships. Here are some ways you can support and empower your child to form and maintain lasting friendships: Model healthy friendships. Children are constantly watching and learning from the adults in their lives. By modeling positive friendships and positive interactions with your friends and the people you encounter, you can set a good example and guide your child to do the same. Promote social interactions. Provide your child with opportunities to socialize and engage in social activities and playdates so that they interact with other children, practice their social skills, and build relationships with others. Teach your child empathy and understanding. Encourage your child to put themselves in another person’s shoes and see things from their perspective. When children practice empathy, they learn to communicate better, listen effectively, and respond in ways that are more supportive, understanding, and compassionate, enabling them to cultivate meaningful friendships. Role play. Take the opportunity to role play various social scenarios with your child. Teach them appropriate social skills so that they build more confidence and are better prepared to navigate different social situations. Read books that reinforce friendship and positive interactions. Look for books that highlight sharing, friendship, empathy, and compassion. You can teach your kids how to be good friends by having conversations with them about the characters, their emotions, and some of the outcomes of the story.