Social connections and friendships play a guiding role in a child’s development, helping shape their confidence, empathy and sense of belonging. Some children are more shy than others, preferring to stick to their close circle of friends, while others may just have a hard time opening up. It can feel intimidating, but there are plenty of ways for children to make new friends and for parents to encourage them. Here are a few simple ways children can form new bonds and welcome new connections:
Connecting with Classmates
School is one of the most natural places for children to form friendships, offering daily opportunities to connect with classmates who have similar interests. Encourage your child to sit with someone new at lunch, partner up for a class project or say hello to the new student in class. These small everyday interactions are often the start of strong bonds, and the friends they meet in class usually become their closest companions.
Bonding through Shared Activities
Sports teams, clubs and extracurricular activities give children an opportunity to bond with other children over a shared interest or hobby. Whether it’s sports practice, art class or a music lesson, shared activities like these take the pressure away from making conversation and let friendships blossom naturally. Encourage your child to get involved in activities they genuinely enjoy, as the connections they form there often set the stage for lasting friendships outside of school.
Building Friendships Close to Home
If your child is looking for new friends, they probably don’t have to go too far. Chances are that there are plenty of other children in the neighborhood they can connect with. Encourage your child to play outside with neighbor kids or invite a couple of them over to play. You can help by setting up playdates, giving children a low-pressure backdrop to get to know each other through one-on-one time. Making friends in the neighborhood is one of the easiest ways to welcome new connections, since it happens in a comfortable, familiar setting.
Reaching Out to Long-Distance Peers
We’re living in a world where people connect even when they’re miles apart. Vetted pen pal programs through your child’s school or library allow children to exchange letters and drawings through the mail for a more unique way of connecting. If you used to live in a different city or state, encourage your child to stay in touch with friends back in their old neighborhood and school. This can be through telephone or video calls. This also works for friends they make in long-distance relatives’ neighborhoods. If they know they can stay connected to friends they may not see every day, children may be more inclined to make new friends wherever they go.
Starting with a Simple Hello
No matter where your child finds new people to connect with, most friendships start with a simple hello. Encourage your child to lead with friendliness and kindness, smiling, waving and exchanging kind words with others. Simple conversation starters like introducing themselves and asking about a favorite game or paying a compliment are usually all it takes to get the ball rolling. Remind them that even though it can feel a little awkward or nerve-wracking at first to put themselves out there, most people will return their kindness with even more kindness, and that’s where bonds start to form.
At St. Charles Borromeo, we know how important social connections are to our students’ overall development. It deeply impacts their experiences inside and outside of school, helping them grow in empathy and understanding. Our Orlando private school, located in the Catholic Diocese of Orlando, is committed to proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. We provide a whole-child education and a nurturing learning environment where students can grow into the best versions of themselves. Learn more about our school by visiting our website or by contacting us online.