How to Encourage Friendships Between Preschoolers

Friendships are important for preschool children because they help develop social skills the children will need for the rest of their lives. Some children have difficulty making friends, so it is a good idea for parents to watch their children interact and to help when problems arise during playtime. Parents who take an active role in their children's social lives from an early age can open up the lines of communication for the teen years, reports American Academy of Pediatrics' Healthy Children website.

Instructions

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      Build your child's self confidence by giving her responsibilities around the house, celebrating when she meets her goals and encouraging her to learn new things. Confident children tend to interact better with peers.

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      Teach your child how to play, setting rules that prohibit aggressive behavior or stealing toys from other children, for example. Show her how to solve problems and to express herself using words.

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      Invite children of your child's age over to play. Make your house a good place to play. Have enough toys for everyone to enjoy and avoid toys that encourage aggressive play.

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      Watch your child play and help him solve problems that arise. Do not solve these problems for him, but point him in the right direction so he will feel as though he has accomplished something on his own and will gain confidence as a result.

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      Praise the children when they play nicely or share toys. Avoid focusing on only the negative aspects of the children̵7;s interactions and let them know when they do something right.

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      Take your child to another child's home. Stay with the child until he is comfortable with the situation. Teach your child to play the same way at other peoples̵7; houses that he would at home.

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