Heading Back to School? Two-Step Guide to Making New Friends

The anticipation of the new academic year sends a flurry of mixed feelings for many kids. As they get ready to learn new things, they're mainly wondering, "Will any of my friends be in my class?

This anxiety may seem trivial to adults, but for children, it's a pressing concern that resonates deeply with them. It's akin to the apprehension we might feel if we, as adults, were invited to a lunch with a completely unfamiliar department at work. Now, magnify that feeling to last not just an hour, but an entire academic year.

Understanding the Fear of Making New Friends

Making new friends can be a daunting task, even for the most outgoing among us. Despite our best efforts to encourage our children to be confident and sociable, their fear of stepping out of their comfort zones is rooted in one primary emotion - the fear of rejection.

While we can't eliminate this apprehension entirely, we can certainly equip our children with strategies to navigate through it. Here's a simple two-step approach to help your child break into new groups and make new friends.

Step 1: Read the Mood

Before attempting to make a new friend, it's crucial to 'read the room'. Instruct your child to observe the body language of their peers in this new setting. Encourage them to look out for relaxed postures and facial expressions. Reading these nonverbal cues correctly will provide your child with valuable insights into when it might be a good time to approach a potential friend and initiate a conversation.

Step 2: Ask Questions

The art of making friends isn't about making a grand entrance or trying to impress others. It's about expressing genuine interest in others and fostering connections on common ground.

Encourage your child to ask questions. It could start with a common topic like how their summer was or who their home room teacher was the previous year. The key is to encourage your child to listen attentively to the responses they receive. In general, people love to talk about their experiences. When your child demonstrates patience and an eagerness to listen, they allow the other person to engage in something they enjoy, which sets a positive tone for potential friendship.

Embrace the Challenge

It's important to remember that making new friends is not a skill one perfects overnight. It's an ongoing process that requires effort, understanding, and patience. However, armed with these simple steps, your child can approach the challenge of making new friends with increased confidence and positivity. And who knows? The new academic year could herald the beginning of beautiful friendships that might last a lifetime.

At Frolific, our ethos is built on fostering a culture where children feel empowered to navigate their social worlds with confidence and grace. And the proof is in the pudding, watch this video for more.