Friendship can be tricky to navigate at any age. While preschoolers have advantages in many ways (kids can typically bond more quickly with a new friend than adults), they also have a lot that can get in the way of positive friendships. This is a time when it’s difficult to share, difficult to manage emotions, and difficult to interpret others’ behaviors. Use these tips to help your preschooler make friends.<\/p>\n
Every child approaches friendships differently. Some want as many friends as they can collect, constantly on the lookout for a new buddy to bring into their welcome fold. Others may stand back, preferring alone time or one close and familiar friend. And of course, there is a wide spectrum of friendship engagement between these two examples.<\/span><\/p>\n Pay attention to what fulfills your child in friendship and help your child find situations where they can be comfortable in friendship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n How to Help Your Child Enter a Friendship Situation:<\/strong><\/p>\n If your child wants to join a group but doesn\u2019t know how, try these tips:<\/span><\/p>\n In the safety of your home, you can give your child opportunities to develop skills that transfer to friendship groups.<\/span><\/p>\n For example, play a simple card game or have a family soccer match. In these interactions with you and siblings, your preschooler will learn about taking turns, following rules, emotional control, and handling both wins and disappointment graciously.<\/span><\/p>\n Around the dinner table, your child can learn about listening to others, showing interest in what others have to say, adding to conversations, and yes — taking turns again!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n During play, you can teach skills like how to introduce yourself. Pick up a stuffed animal, and have it introduce itself to your child. \u201cHello. My name is Twinkle Toes. Would you like to play blocks with me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Friendship is about respecting the other person, caring about what they care about, and being considerate of their feelings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You can model this in your interactions with your child. When you ask them to do something, use a respectful tone and language. When they are upset or excited, show genuine concern or interest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your child gets upset about the color cup they receive, for example, don\u2019t dismiss their feelings; instead, say, \u201cYou really wanted the blue cup didn\u2019t you. I\u2019m sorry you\u2019re disappointed.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This respectful and caring treatment will transfer to your child\u2019s interactions with their peers, and they will learn to be respectful and empathetic.<\/span><\/p>\n When you host a playdate, consider how to set up the environment to make the playdate as successful as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At UDA Creative Arts Preschool, we focus on character traits, like compassion and respect, that help children in their friendships. Learn more about our curriculum and play-based learning.\u00a0Call us at (801) 523-5930 for a tour.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Friendship can be tricky to navigate at any age. While preschoolers have advantages in many ways (kids can typically bond more quickly with a new friend than adults), they also have a lot that can get in the way of positive friendships. This is a time when it’s difficult to share, difficult to manage emotions, … <\/p>\n\n
Provide Space for Practice<\/span><\/h2>\n
Model Healthy Communication<\/span><\/h2>\n
Tips for Playdate Success<\/span><\/h2>\n
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