Remember - The best way to make a friend is to Be A FRIEND!
Tips For Making and Keeping Friends
- Be nice
- Show people you care about their feelings
- Think of ways to start a conversation - Ask questions
- Be a good listener
- Be respectful
- Avoid gossip
- Be aware of personal hygiene
- Give sincere compliments
- Smile
- Be friendly
- Be positive
- Follow the rules
- Play fair
- Share
- Join in a game
- Invite someone to play
- Take turns
- Ask the person what he/she would like to play
- Schedule a play date
- Think of the qualities you look for in a friend and practice those same qualities!
- Practice/Role Play Sociak Skills such as Accepting No, Disagreeing respectfully, Listening attentively, Being a good sport, Asking questions, Inviting someone to play, reading social cues
Take Initiatve
- You want people to notice you in a good way so standing off to a side or blending into the background, won't help you get friends
- Join a game: Observe, Wait for an opening/pause in the game and ask poiltely if you can join
- Join a conversation: Wait for an opening, ask a question or make a comment on the same topic
- If someone doesn't welcome you, try with someone else.
- Look for others who seem to be having fun and being kind toward each other
- If someone does not welcome you into a game or conversation, try with someone else.
Resources
Miranda Peabody Learns What It Takes to Make New Friends
by Susan DeBell
Let's Be Friends: A Workbook to Help Kids Learn Social Skills and Make Great Friends
by Lawrence Shapiro
How To Be A Friend: A Guide To Maiking Friends and Keeping Them
by Laurie Kransy and Marc Brown
How Kids Make Friends: Secrets for Making Friends No Matter How Shy You Are
by Lonnie Michelle
The Friendship Factor Helping Our Children Navigate Their Social World and Wjy It Matters For Thier Success
by Kenneth H. Rubin
Best Friends, Worst Enemies:Understanding the Social Lives of CHildren
by Michael Thompson
Mom, They're Teasing Me : Helping Your Child Solve Social Problems
by Michael Thompson
Nobody Likes Me and Everyone Hates Me
by Michele Borba
http://micheleborba.com/teaching-kids-friendship-making-skills/