Are you teaching your child how to make friends? PDF Print E-mail
One of the most challenging and exciting parts of growing up is making friends. Getting along with people makes life fun! It also helps kids succeed in school, work and life.

Answer yes or no to the following questions to see if you're helping your child with this important task:

___1. Do you make plans for your child to be around other children?

___2. Do you practice sharing, taking turns and other social skills at home?

___3. Do you talk about others' feelings to help your child build empathy? "Sam lost his toy. He looks sad. How can we help?"

___4. Do you set an example by being kind and patient with your child and others?

___5. Do you give compliments when your child is friendly? "You gave Lucy one of your cookies. That was generous. It made her happy!

How well are you doing?

Each yes answer means you're building friendship skills. For each no answer, try that idea from the quiz.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2009 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Early Childhood Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.