What If Your Child Has Trouble Making Friends

Is your child an introvert or does he have many friends? While, for an infant, his parents are the only persons he looks up to, the equation changes when he grows. Once in school, friends become very important. Making friends is the focal point to building one’s self-respect and social skills. However, the art of socializing does not come from birth and need not be easy for every child. There are a number of reasons for the inability of your child to make friends, but these can be sorted with a little attention and care. Read on to find the reasons why a child faces trouble while making friends and the ways to cure it.

The Reasons

For some children, the art of learning social skills is harder than their lessons. Being an introvert, they find it hard to make friends and learn the social skills involved for the same, such as joining in games, sharing or listening to others.
Behavioral problems pose as one of the reasons why your child is not able to make friends. His extreme shyness can be a big barrier between his and the social circle. Oppositional behavior and attention difficulties also make it difficult to be friendly.
There are children who have autistic type difficulties and will benefit from special evaluation and support.
One of the main causes of such a problem is the passive entertainment which children are involved in these days. TV, computer and gaming consoles reduces the chances of intermingling with others.
Lack of opportunity is also one of the reasons behind the trouble in making friends. This may sound absurd for most of us, but it is true.
The need to be an all-rounder in today’s world also lessens the interaction time for the kids. With busy schedules of sports, hobbies and learning activities, they may not find enough time to interact with kids their age.

Ways To Help

The best way to help your child is to participate in his/her activities and potential friendships. Your indulgence can be very effective in breaking the ice and making way to grow relationships.
There are many organizations that organize activities promoting friendships. This practice is there in many schools as well. Encourage you child to participate in such activities.
You can also be friends with the parents of the potential friends of your children. In such a way, you not only help your child, but grow your social circle as well. It would also be beneficial for the future.
It is very important to give your child ample opportunities for making friendships. Set a schedule for him that involves designated time for everything, from academics to sports to hobbies to social interaction.
It is important to teach your child the skills of being a good team player or playing like a friend. Otherwise, he will always end up being lonely.

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