Friendship

Making new friends at any age is difficult and it often leads to social discomfort. Toddlers, are just getting used to the world and what’s around them and this can bring added pressure to your toddler when their making friends in a new environment like a daycare or school. Parents can do a lot to guide their children to feel more confident in social situations ultimately helping them make new friends.

Your child’s personality plays a role in how easy or difficult they make friends: Easygoing, cheerful children tend to make friends easily and adapt well to new situations. Sensitive, cautious kids often have a harder time and are more likely to cling to adults and be left out of other children’s activities and games. Observe your child’s temperament in social situations to get an understanding of where they fall on the scale and try using some of the tips below:

Play dates/Socialization

Play dates are the perfect opportunity to allow your toddler to socialize independently. If your toddler is hesitant about meeting a new friend, start by introducing them to the child. Explain that you will remain close by. This will let them explore the concept of making new friends independently with the safety net of knowing your close by.

Small-group sport activities such as gymnastics, dance, or swimming are a great environment for your child to learn valuable social skills. The sport represents a common interest or goal that your child can talk to other children about. This common interest will make it easier for a shy child to make new friends, plus they will reap the health benefits of an active lifestyle.

Take advantage of the free activities at local libraries or community centers. Story times, musical groups and open play dates offer socialization for moms, dads and your toddler. This will allow your child to interact with other child with you still close by.

Play through learning

Use your child’s imagination to role play a new friend encounter. This will allow your child to practice making new friends with nothing to lose. Pretend that you are a potential new friend and ask questions you might expect from a young child. Practice makes perfect and it will prepare your child for the real thing.

Teach your child how to interact in different common social situations. For example, if you are on the playground with your child and they refuse to share when asked by another toddler let them know the appropriate response “yes you can have a turn”. Follow it up with prompting your child to ask the other child’s name and introducing themselves through offering their name.

Making friends can be tough for anyone, hopefully some of these tips will help. Most toddlers will grab hold of the concept quickly after they make their first good friend.

Sources: http://www.greatschools.org
http://www.justthefactsbaby.com