I think she needs a few pointers...
Somehow, after six years in our elementary school, two older sisters with multiple friends who have younger siblings, three kindergarten classes, and five children at our school from her preschool class, Sydney has not one child in her class that she knew before school started.
Her best buddy, O, is in the classroom next door. And although she will be able to play with O at recess time twice a day, it’s just not the same as having a friend in class all day long.
I told her it was a chance for her to make some new friends.
But my slow-to-warm-up little Sydney looked skeptical.
So how can I help my girl make some new friends? We will have to have some conversations at home in the evenings, that’s for sure. Here are a couple of things I thought of to tell her:
1. Look for someone who’s playing alone. That person is probably wishing for a new friend and would love to play with you!
2. Walk up to that person and say, “Hi! I’m Sydney. What’s your name?” And Smile!
3. Ask your new friend a question. What’s your favorite thing to do at recess? Do you have any brothers or sisters? What did you have for lunch? What’s your favorite color? What’s something fun you did over the summer? Do you want to take turns going down the slide? Do you want to play in the art center with me?
4. Or if that seems too hard, just smile at the person and say, “Can I play, too?”
Sydney is one of those kids who sometimes takes a long time to get comfortable in a new situation, but once she’s comfortable, she pretty much runs the show. I know once she gets to know a couple of her classmates, she will have a great year. I just have to not worry about her and encourage her to be the friendly, fun-loving girl I know she is.
How do you help your child make new friends?
How far would you go to advocate for your child? In January First, father Michael Shofield and his family struggle to find the right treatment for his daughter Jani, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia at six years old. Join From Left to Write on September as we discuss the Shofield’s memoir January First. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.
September 5th, 2012 | Tags: 
It sounds like your daughter and my boys are very similar. Since Little starts preschool tomorrow with a bunch of new kids (same situation), I’ll be sure to talk to him with these ideas. Thank you!
Amy, Using Our Words recently posted..10 Things I Learned This Week, Vol 77
This happened to my son this year in second grade. None of his friends are in his class. He feels like he is starting over.
jodifur recently posted..Parenting: The Easy and The Hard and The Lucky
When I was a child we moved around a lot and I was always the new kids in class. I was also horribly she and reserved. I had no choice but to learn to make friends and I’m sure your little girl will learn the same. Still it hurts to see your child having to struggle with the whole friendship thing. Good luck!
Alicia S recently posted..Raising a Boy
Those are great tips! My daughter is really good at making new friends. Now that my son is talking more, I’m reminded that I should teach him these things too.
Thien-Kim recently posted..Don’t Talk To Me At The Bus Stop
I love these tips! I think we forget sometimes that making friends is as hard for kids as it is for us adults.
I’ve made the terrible mistake of calling a new friend my son’s “new best friend.” It made him put up with a kid that was sometimes not nice to him and he ended up not getting to know as many other kids. That would be my advice on what not to do.
It’s a fantastic article, which inspired me to make a friend to my kids.Really thanks for remind me to do this.
Anton Prince recently posted..http://www.celebstaped.com/kim-kardashian-tape/
Oh, I am also hoping to have this nice encounter to my child soon.
I wanted to teach them do many things. Teach them good values.
It’s really interesting for a parent.
Maris King recently posted..Advantages of Timber Bifold Windows & Doors in Home Restoration Projects
Lucky for me I have got a kid who seems to get along with everyone easily. But I have never transferred him to another school so I may never know if he may be faced with such a situation.
Jean Drewford recently posted..Kim Kardashian News
I remember when I was a kids it wasn’t easy making new friends. These tips will help a lot in making it a little easier for our kids.
Beverly Jonson recently posted..Montana Fishburne
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