How to Teach Children to Be Friends With Others

Encourage your children to keep good friends.

Encourage your children to value friendship by treating others with love and respect. Seeking positive friendships with their peers early on can help them build lifelong friendships or find new friends easily as they grow older. Talk to your kids about walking away from bullies rather than challenging the bully by engaging in the same behavior. Communicate with your children about healthy relationships and set the example yourself, by being a good friend to people in your life.

Instructions

1. Show your children how to display open body language so others feel comfortable approaching them. Crossing their arms, turning their backs and avoiding eye contact are examples of closed body language. Keeping arms free, seeking eye contact and smiling showcase open body language.

2. Meet other parents at school or neighborhood functions and encourage them to introduce their children to your kids.

3. Listen carefully to your child so that she learns how to listen and respond to others. Children mimic behaviors, so teach them how to behave early on by setting a good example when communicating.

4. Talk to your children about being kind to others. Encourage them to share their toys, say kind words and exercise patience with their friends.

5. Sign up for local sporting activities, crafts and other community events involving children. Encourage your kids to introduce themselves and greet new people with a smile.

References

• Education: Teach Your Child to Be a Good Friend
• Teach Kids How: How to Form Positive Friendships