Where you stand in relation to your child’s friendships is one of the more strange questions of being a parent. There’s no doubt that friendship is an essential childhood passage. Kids learn how to compromise, share, and work through disagreements with their friends. Yet it can be hard for parents to watch from afar.
1. Teach Friendship Skills
Childen wants to play with other children who can have fun without taking over and shouting at everyone else. Seeing you reach out to friends is your child’s first lesson in how to do that.
2. Tune in to Your Child’s Friendship Style
Without knowing, you could limit your child if you assume he relates to friends the same way that you do. Let your child show you what kind of social interactions are suitable for him. If your child enjoys group situations, perfect! But if groups upset your child, see if he prefers playing with one or two children at a time.
3. Playdate at Home
If your child is young, invite her friends over for a play date at home. Be sure to have a couple of fun activities prepared. “Younger kids need to be instructed,” says Mr Lim, a father of 4 children. Activities might include several board games or a plan to bake cookies, depending on your child’s interests.