Making Friends​

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• The best tip is giving them opportunities to practice! Visit new parks and playgrounds, sign your kids up for activities with new people, and let them practice their conversation skills out and about at the grocery store, when shopping, or out at a restaurant.

• Do some role playing of how to start and keep conversations going. Practice these skills before going somewhere with new people, and debrief with them afterwards. How did it go? How did that feel? What worked well and what's something you could try differently next time?

• 12 Videos for Teaching Kids about Friendship: ranging from just over 1 minute to 10 minutes long

• PBS's video hub on Friendship

• Books that Heal Kids' list of recommended book about friendship

• A Shy Person's Guide to Making Friends at School: 6 great tips for kids to use to make friends - Great for upper-elementary with comic strip visuals included

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Problem Solving

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Our school's Social Emotional Curriculum, Second Step, teaches a whole unit on problem solving. In this unit, students learn the Second Step Problem-Solving Steps.

• S: Say the Problem (without blame)

• T: Think of Solutions (that are safe and respectful)

• E: Explore Consequences (what could happen if...)

• P: Pick the Best Solution (and make your plan)

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• Kelso's Choices: a great resource for students to identify what to do when they have a small problem

• What's the Difference Between Teasing, Bullying, and Social Aggression?: a very helpful article on the various ways that social skills and dynamics can show up for kids

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Empathy & Kindness

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Our school's Social Emotional Curriculum, Second Step, also teaches a whole unit on empathy & kindness. Each grade's lessons build on the previous as they adjust to students' developmental levels and skills. 

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• Supporting Friendship Skills & Empathy in Your Child
• Tips for Raising A Caring & Empathetic Child
• Key Strategies for Teaching Children Empathy (by age)
• Empathy Building Books for Kids

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