My child has no friends

We are social beings. From the moment we are born we make distinction between the people around us, between relatives, friends and strangers, and start to communicate.

The friendships children have with each other are different than those they have with parents and relatives. Of course, learning and social support result from relationships with parents, teachers, and other adults. But they don’t substitute for other relationships and it is among other children that kids learn how to interact with equals.

Why friendships are important
Children need other children to learn valuable social skills. Through interaction with (school) friends they learn how to do things like join groups, make new friends and deal with competition and conflict. Children need friendships to develop their own indivduality by providing them a supportive context in which self-exploration, emotional growth, and moral development can occur.

But what should you do if your child is finding difficulties to make friends at school? Some children are very shy and may, even around kids they know fairly well, hesitate to comment or participate. Highly intelligent children may also have difficulty making friends. Their intelligence, especially in verbal language may make it difficult for other children to understand them. Sometimes children are behind in social development, and merely lack the skills required to make friends. Also causes like removing, problems at home, a new teacher, a new kid at school can the inhability to make friends.

Whatever the reason is, it is very important that you talk to the teacher about this. He or she will most likely be aware of this situation and may be able to give you information about any options available at school. More attention and guidance in the classroom towards both your child and the classmates can make the hughe difference.

What can you do?
Let your child know that you feel friendships are important.
Provide a safe and loving environment for your child, make him or her feels loved and supported.
Encourage your child to invite other kids at your home.
Organize nice things to do for your child and some schoolchildren like the pool or have an adventurous quest in your yard!
Respect your child’s social character; some children do best with a host of friends, and some do best with a few close friends.
Make arrangements for your family to spend time with another family that has a similar-age child.
Encourage your child to develop interest and hobbies that will help to build self confidence.
Encourage your child to seek out kids that are “friendly” in the classroom.
Help your child to meet new friends outside of school.

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