photo by Tim Hacker
It is the start of a new school year for Mesa Public Schools, and the first weeks of school are an exciting time for children.
Discovery, learning and making friends are a few of the valuable parts of school. While students are off to a great social start, some children need guidance establishing a set of close friends.
“Developing friendships builds self-esteem,” said Libby Sluder, Title I ESEA specialist. “It teaches children important behaviors, such as empathy, trust building, communications skills and conflict resolution strategies. These are behaviors and skills they will use their entire lives.”
Libby shares tips with parents to help their children navigate the friendship waters.
Practice listening with warmth and understanding. Raising children in a calm, consistent manner, where the focus is on open communication and emotional support, fosters a strong self-worth and social skills.
Be a friendship coach. Talk with your child about how to make friends. Role-play things to say when meeting someone new, and teach him how to handle conflict appropriately. Be patient with your reserved child who may need to take baby steps when making friends.
Take them with you. Children often learn how to make friends by modeling what parents do and say. Have conversations about taking turns when talking, actively listening and being respectful.
Provide opportunities. Schedule play dates and activities allowing your child to interact with new friends, practice social skills and develop interests in a fun, relaxed setting. If your child tends to be shy, choose noncompetitive activities and arrange shorter play dates.
Teach empathy. Today’s technology replaces some face-to-face conversations, making it difficult for children to learn empathy. This may affect their ability to make and keep friends. Volunteering, helping others and expressing how situations make us feel builds empathy. It also encourages children to apologize and have important conversations in person.
For more parenting tips and resources, visit mpsaz.org/nclb/parent.