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Friendship 101

How to Make New Friends and How to Be A Good Friend

By Toni Garcia, Publisher & Editor August 31, 2016


When I was a kid, I had a hard time making friends. I was always made fun of because of my height (I am 6'3" now, so I was always really tall in school.) and didn't really make a lot of friends until I was in 3rd or 4th grade. Looking back, those girls weren't my friends ... I just really wanted them to be, I think ... so I made myself believe they were.

So the other day when my 6 year old came to me and asked if his friends could come over, I said, "Which ones?" When he named them, I asked, "Why do you think they are your friends?" and he had nothing to say. I probed a little more, "Tell me about the things you guys do and talk about when you hang out." and "What are some of so-and-so's favorite games?"... my son had nothing to say. He just looked at me and said, "Um... we just play."

WE JUST PLAY. I love it. HOWEVER, being the Mom that I am, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to teach my son about friendship. So we sat down and listed ways to make new friends and how to be a good friend.

It was a wonderful lesson for the both of us. :)

HOW TO MAKE A NEW FRIEND

F: Find something you both have in common.

R: Remember to ask their name!! Remember to use it!

I: Invite them to play with you!

E: Empathy!! (Remember, some kids are shy at first!)

N: Notice if they need something! (Help with finding a classroom, etc.)

D: Don't forget to ask, "How are you?"

S: SMILE!

HOW TO BE A GOOD FRIEND

F: Find games that you both like to play together.

R: Respect each other's space.

I: Invite them for play dates!!

E: Empathy!! (Put yourself in their shoes!)

N: Never say bad things about them. Always stand up for your friends.

D: Do the right thing! Apologize if necessary!

S: Stay in touch!!