Friendships are some of the most important treasures of life, not just for adults but even for young children. Friendships allow kids to work on values that they will need later in life, like social and emotional skills, empathy, and respect.
Aside from that, having friends can also have a positive influence on a child’s academic performance. According to the Miami Herald, when children have good friends in school, they tend to have more positive attitudes toward school and learning.
BBC News also reports that according to a study by researchers from the University of Surrey in the UK, though many childhood friendships don’t last as kids move on to higher grade levels, those who retained the same best friend since childhood achieved better results and fewer behavior issues.
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Previous research has also proven that preschool friendships help give kids a sense of belonging and reduce their stress.
Paul Schwartz, a professor of psychology and child behavior expert, explains in an article for Hudson Valley Parent, “Friends also have a powerful influence on a child’s positive and negative school performance and may also help to encourage or discourage deviant behaviors.
“Compared to children who lack friends, children with ‘good’ friends have higher self-esteem, act more socially, can cope with life stresses and transitions, and are also less victimized by peers.”
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How to help your child make friends
Does your child struggle with making friends with her peers? As a parent, you can help encourage her to be more comfortable with approaching her peers. Here are some tips to help you encourage your child’s skills in forming friendships.
Encourage her interests
Your child probably has interests in certain sports, arts, and hobbies. Inspire her to join clubs or programs focusing on her interests where she can meet other children. Kids tend to interact better with kids who share the same interests as them, says Attitude Mag.
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Organize playdates
Aside from clubs and programs, playdates are also great opportunities for your child to spend time with other kids. Call up your other mom friends and set up a day for you to meet up somewhere your kids can play with one another.
Teach her how to handle situations
Some kids might find it hard to make friends because they don’t know how to function in social setups. In an article called “The Importance of Friendship for School-Age Children,” Millie Ferrer and Anne Fugate advise parents to continue coaching their kids on simple things like how to say “Please” and “Thank you” and how to share their toys, especially as they grow older and encounter more social situations.
Another benefit of childhood friendships: They have been associated with good health in adult life! Click here to learn more.
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