School can be awkward. Making friends can even be more so. If making friends with peers is a challenge for your learner, you can help him boost confidence as a parent. After all, you likely can remember back to the time you didn't know anyone in class and walking the hallway was a lonely experience, right?
The saying goes "To make friends, one must first show himself friendly." Give your student the advice he needs to interact at school and understand his fellow classmates. Here are a few ideas to get you both started with your friendship chat:
1. Explain the difference between friends and acquaintances
2. Define characteristics of a true friend
3. Discuss how commonalities join people
4. Note how (and when) differences divide people
5. Give ideas on how to strengthen friendship
6. Outlay ways to approach potential friends (consider student groups, clubs, or sports teams)
7. State that friends can be found in anyone
8. Offer alternative places (outside school) to make friends
9. Promote an academic focus (with friends being an extra benefit) at school
Your student faces a tough world where bullies live to hurt others, peer pressure forces bad decisions, and real friends are few and far between. Even as adults, friendship can be hard to find, so remind your student that true, lasting friends are a rarity and worth preserving.
Classmates can come and go, but if your student is confident interacting with peers as he ages, he will gain the social skills needed to approach each school year without trepidation. Remind your learner that fitting in and having tons of friends is much less important than being true to who he is and displaying good character qualities.
The fact is your student won't make friends everywhere he goes. But he doesn't have to settle for getting picked on either. Consider changing your student's environment (switching schools) only if the current situation can't be improved over time and with effort.
What tips have you given your child for making friends?