Making friends

Making friends and socialising with peers is an important part of adolescence.

Introduction

Making friends and socialising with peers is an important part of adolescence. It helps your child to build their social skills, their confidence and self-esteem. It also helps them to develop the foundations for healthy relationships in the future.   

Making friends starts with understanding the differences between people who are friends and people who are friendly, and having the opportunity to socialise with peers.

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Conversation Starters

There are lots of different relationships in that movie. Who do you think are friends?
You’ve been in the swimming class with the same people for a while now. Would you call any of them your friends?
This is my friend Mickey. Do you want to introduce them to your friend?

Strategies for you to try

Discuss the meaning of friendship with your child
Ask them questions like: – What are some things that friends do together? – Do friends always have to like the same thing? – Who is your friend? Why do you like them? – Is your teacher/support worker your friend? – If somebody is friendly to you are they your friend? You might use a movie or tv show you watched recently as a prompt to start the conversation with your child.
Find opportunities for your child to socialise with their peers outside of school
This could be through sport, a hobby group or cultural group. Having a structured activity gives the children something to focus on and talk about. If it’s an activity your child likes, they can still enjoy themselves even if they don’t make new friends.
Role play conversations with your child
Before going out, practice with your child how they can introduce themselves to new people. Encourage them to remember a couple of key questions they can use to start conversations. Questions could include: – What did you do on the weekend? – What is your favourite movie? – What did you have for dinner last night?
trying to make friends

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Introduction to puberty for girls
Making friends

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Introduction to relationships
Making friends

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