Goddard School Offers Suggestions on Making Friends

To a preschooler, a “friend” is anyone who is willing to play the way they want to play during any given period of time. Playing with friends is an important way for children to learn social skills including sharing and taking turns. Providing your child the opportunity to make friends is helpful, worthwhile and fun!

Parents at in Oakville have offered a few suggestions promote productive and enjoyable play dates:

• The Luster family will limit the initial invitation to one or two friends at their home.

• The Peterson family likes to schedule a play date for one to two hours to avoid over stimulating the children.

• The Kropp family will plan games and activities their child enjoys and provide enough materials so the children don’t have to share immediately.

• It is important to remember to guide the children as they make a craft, play a game or splash in a wading pool rather than letting them manage themselves.

• Before planning a play date for your child, the Jackson family reminds us the importance of periodically playing one-on-one with their child to develop familiarity with their playing style and stimulate their social interaction.

• The Arsenault family will spend time reading books and watching shows about friendship also reinforces the positive aspects of socialization.

• The Francis family models friendship by inviting friends to meet, especially when your friends have children compatible with your own.

• Don’t forget to limit your expectations and pressure to prevent your child developing insecurity about developing friends.

Providing your child with many different opportunities to learn how to be a friend will result in more meaningful relationships.