Skip to main content

Main menu

  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
Home
  • Playground
  • Surfacing
  • Parks
  • Athletics
  • Aquatics
  • Play
  • Build a Sandbox
  • The Play Value Of Sand
  • With Community Helpers the Play Lady Receives the Fred Rodgers Helpers Award
  • Texas Legislating Recess
  • Keeping the Fun in Fundraising
  • See Accessibility Through the Eyes of a Child
  • Outdoor Play for Children with Intellectual Disabilities on Playgrounds

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Play
  3. Parenting
  4. 5 Tips How To Teach A Child Make Friends On Playground

5 Tips How To Teach A Child Make Friends On Playground

Parenting
April 30, 2019
Profile picture for user Michael Gorman
By Michael Gorman on
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print
3755
Children on a playground

Children on a playground

From providing tasty, healthy meals to helping their kids get better when they’re sick, parents are always on the watch, doing their best to teach their little ones how to live fulfilled, happy lives. Naturally, among other things, every parent wishes their child to have playmates whose company they will enjoy.

Playing has incredibly positive effects on memory, social skills, and the ability to learn. However, not all children are equally skilled when it comes to social interactions. Here is what you can do to help your shy little one make friends on the playground.

Observe your child in the recreation area

A process of making friends and enjoying social interactions is a vital part of every childhood. If your child seems to have difficulties with making the initial contact with others, your help and support will be much needed in the process.

Let things develop slowly, and start by just watching how your child behaves and interacts on the playground. Do they seem to like playing on their own, or they look sad and excluded? Which activities do you recognise to be your child’s favourites? How do they react when other children approach them?

Perhaps your child is reluctant to be the one who makes the first contact, but they gladly accept others’ invitations to join the game. If this seems to be the case with your little one, take your time to talk to them about approaching others, and lead by your own example.

Set up a playdate to get the ball rolling

What can you do if your child is quiet and recluse, unwilling to respond to invitations made by other kids? Remember which activities you saw them enjoy doing and set up a playdate with a child with similar interests. One-on-one interactions will be easier for your little one to handle, and similar interests should keep playing entertaining for both children.

As your child gets more accustomed to playing with other kids in this setting, you can start to arrange playdates with two or more children at the same time. Meanwhile, keep taking your child to the playground sometimes, and observe as their behaviour changes in time.

Introduce the three pillars of social interactions

To be able to make friends on the playground, a child must learn how to approach other children, how to speak with them, and how to spark their interest. Your child will need you to be a role model for appropriate behaviour, as children learn most when they observe others in action.

Domywriting reviews contributor Donna Samuels emphasizes that to initiate connections with others we need to master these three pillars of social interactions: politeness, active listening, and empathy. Teach your child what these terms mean, and let them see you make friends by approaching them politely, listening to them attentively, and showing compassion for what they’re feeling.

Watch out for bullying and other incidents

Even when your child gets into an unpleasant situation with their playmate, it doesn’t have to mean it’s a bad thing. Conflicts are bound to happen from time to time, and children must learn that differences in interests or opinions don’t necessarily mean friendships are broken and need to be abandoned.

Nevertheless, whenever your child is interacting with other kids, pay close attention to their behaviour and the behaviour of others. It’s important to remember that conflicts and bullying are not the same things. If you react timely and appropriately, you can save your child a lot of hurting, teaching them which types of behaviour are not positive and acceptable.

Connect with your child and find out about their experiences

At the end of the day, to be sure your efforts help your child become better at making friends take the time to patiently talk to them after every playdate. Ask them about their feelings, opinions, and experiences. Pay close attention to their words and body language, as these indicators will tell you how your mission is going.

NinjaEssays content manager Lisa Frances, a proud mother of three, advises showing understanding and affection during these conversations. Your little one needs your support, and showing them you are there every step of the way will give them the confidence to keep trying.

 

Even if your child is having troubles with making friends, with your love and assistance they can learn how to create meaningful connections with others. Check out these helpful tips, and let us know how they’ve worked for you and your little one.

Profile picture for user Michael Gorman
Michael Gorman
Published 4 years ago
Last updated 10 months ago
3755
2
min read
A- A+
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • envelope
  • print

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

More About Parenting

Girl dancing
Sep 24, 2018
Parenting

Keeping Kids Active When It's Too Cold to Play Outside

Kacey Mya
Children using smartphones and tablets.
Jun 06, 2018
Parenting

Children & Social Media: Make the Best of It

Nicole Lewis
Well dressed mother and daughter
Feb 17, 2020
Parenting

Six Clothes Your Kids Will Want to Be Wearing

Lewis Robinson
Vacation
Nov 14, 2018
Parenting

The Best Travel Methods for an Adventurous Family Vacation

Kacey Mya
Sep 01, 2005
Parenting

It's All About Bonding With Play

Playground Magazine
Feb 01, 2004
Parenting

Empty Beaches

Playground Magazine
How Cooking Together Can Help Your Family Bond
Mar 10, 2022
Parenting

How Cooking Together Can Help Your Family Bond

Cora Gold
Active children on scooters
Oct 15, 2019
Parenting

Best Ways to Keep Your Child Active

Krista Harper
Dec 28, 2018
Parenting

Smart Ways to keep your kids safe online

Kazia Conway
Oct 01, 2006
Parenting

How To Discipline at Play

Playground Magazine
Fun Ways to Introduce Your Family to New Cultures at Home
Apr 06, 2022
Parenting

Fun Ways to Introduce Your Family to New Cultures at Home

Cora Gold
Nov 01, 2002
Parenting

Hands on Jonesboro

Playground Magazine

Parenting Professionals

There are currently no professionals listed here.
Home

Follow Us

Play and playground news and information since 2001

  • instagram
  • facebook-f
  • twitter
  • pinterest
  • linkedin

Company

  • Playground Magazine
  • Contributors
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Copyright © 2001 - 2023 Playground Professionals, LLC

Footer menu

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms and conditions