School often provides opportunities for generating friendships that last a long time which is why it can be pretty demotivating when children seem to have no friends at school. Not only is it a little disheartening for parents seeing them playing alone at school. It's also very discouraging for children, and they may end up not liking school anymore.
Schools often provide worthwhile opportunities for your child to make friends through group activities and projects so that they can work together to achieve similar goals and indirectly develop strong bonds when working together.
Classrooms in the American schools in Sharjah tend to promote grouped seating in earlier years not only to encourage learning but also to help them initiate friendships! But if your child is struggling with making friends you as a parent might be worried.
So, how can you help your kids make friends
We know you’re worried about the absence of friends in your child’s life which is why we list here four ways to get your children to make plenty of friends:
Children should be taught a great deal about becoming the best hosts. Criticizing and abandoning them or acting too bossy with fellow kids may prevent friendships from blossoming. Parents can teach their children how hosts should behave.
Start by inviting friends over and letting your child know that you will be having guests over. Involve them in a conversation where you tell them what you will be doing for your friend. And follow through. Let your child know how you are going to treat your guest.
Also ask your child what good things they would like to do for their friends, what they like about them and how they should share with their friends. Ask them how they would feel in case their playmate doesn't share friends with them.
Parents should work to create opportunities for their children to make friends and to get along with children their age. Children either roam around with age fellows that are like-minded or those that provide them with something, laughter, happiness opportunities or fun.
Sign your child up for activities that they enjoy and don't involve too much competition. Invite family friends over with their kids or arrange a get together at your place and invite your child’s classmates over.
One thing you could do to help out with their friendships to ask their teacher about who is most like them and who the teacher thinks would be good friends with your child. Since teachers are with all the children throughout the day, they have a better idea regarding the similarities and differences in kids.
Although your child may be in dire need of friends, however, they don't have to act as slaves around their party mates. Discourage slave behavior as soon as you observe it. Monitor your child’s play sessions and play dates and coach your child if need be.
Misbehavior should be pointed out as soon as it occurs, however, don't do it publicly. Call your child to one side, remind them about the rules of behaving well and remind them that shouldn’t do it again.
If your child’s favorite toy may be the point of argument at a playdate, it's better to set it aside before the start of an event the children will be attending.
Children make numerous friends throughout their school years and lose many others, so you don't have to be worried unless the absence of friends has prevailed a few years. Children can acquire the skills necessary to make friends, and it's not that they will remain friendless forever. So don't panic!
Also if you’re planning on shielding your child by preventing any social interaction with other children, such as taking those off the school bus because you’re afraid it might result in a "situation," think again! Isolating your children from their peers may be one way you're destroying the chances they have at making friends!
It’s understandable that you’re worried about your child not having any friends; however, don’t fret as you can do a lot to help them make some. Teachers at the American schools in Sharjah provide numerous opportunities for your child to make friends by involving them in group activities.
But your should help out too! Talk to your child’s teachers at school! And they will be able to provide you with all the help you need to get your child to make friends! What else does one want?
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