Many kids encounter problems with their friends or playmates. They may be a bit shy than normal, bullied, or have misunderstandings. It is pretty normal to see young children fight. Even brothers and sisters argue over small things. That’s why they are called as children in the first place. However, parents must be in control and an encouragement to their boys and girls once they have problems with friendship. Here are some things you must remind to them whenever that happens.
1. Tell to Mom or to the Teacher Right Away
It is common for most children to tell to their parents when their friend is being bad to them. But some may not even actually tell that to their moms or dads. If you remind your child to do this, he or she has more chance of feeling sad or awful knowing that their parents are there to help. This same applies when they are in school. They have to inform their teacher immediately to correct the friend who is doing some bad things.
2. Be Friendly and Nice Always
Encourage your kids to always do the right and good things. This is part of how you nourish your children to grow as good individuals. So, always remind them to be nice and remain friendly to every child they meet.
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3. Avoid Fighting
They should never start a fight or confusion to avoid having problems with their friends. Even if they do not like something from their friends, it must not be a ground to say bad things to or about them. They must refrain from pushing, pinching, punching, or slapping their friends.
4. Start a Good Conversation
Whether they are new or old friends, your children must have the habit to say “hi” or show their new toys to their friends. This is a great way to keep them engaged with their peers.
5. Say Sorry and Ask for Forgiveness
From time to time, expect your kids to pout and get mad because of their friends. If it is their fault, they need to always say how sorry they are and ask for forgiveness. If their friends have to be blamed, you still need to encourage your kids to forgive. Let them remember that asking forgiveness and saying sorry is always the key to be friends again.
6. Point Out the Good Qualities of their Friends
If your kids are not doing great with their friends or classmates, remind them that they are that bad at all. You ask them the good things or qualities they like about their friends. That way they can always remember they have been and are really good friends no matter what, and the bad things are just a part of them that makes them, which they need to understand. You also pinpoint that everyone has their bad sides, but the good ones always be showcased.
7. Play with their Other Friends
If in a case of a strong fight between your child and one of their friends, tell them that they have other buddies to talk to and play with. There are other friendships they can concentrate on. There may be conflicts and fights with others, but let them know that it is just temporary. Someday within the week, everything will be back to normal again.
8. Advise them that the Popular Ones are not always or the only Good Ones
It is very common among children to feel jealous sometimes when other people in their classes or around their neighborhood are popular. It must not intimidate them or make them feel down. Tell them that they may be popular because they are richer or they have more than what they have, but they still have things and qualities they need to be proud of. Do not ever encourage your children that popularity is always or necessarily a good thing.
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9. Meet New Friends
Let them join a music class, dance class, sports, and other activities where they can meet more friends. The more friends they have the less bad they will feel when one friend is being annoying to them. Their moods and spirit will be lifted up if they know that they still get to meet others.
10. Be their Best Friend
If they seem to feel they have no friends, let be their best friend. Remind them that you are still there as their friend, and not only their mom or dad. You need to assure them that when things fail, you are always there for them.
Never tell your parents to strike back or do the same things their friends did to them when they confide in you. Instead, you listen and encourage them the good stuff they need to know. These 10 things are the ones they must hear from their own parents for support, encouragement, and love.