According to the Parenting Science website, "newborn babies are born ready to socialize." However, the article then goes on to explain that some children simply do not develop the qualities necessary for making friendships. In these cases, the qualities and skills must be taught to the child as he learns to establish friendships. As a parent, understanding how to help an 8-year-old boy make more friends is necessary if you have a shy, timid or socially uncomfortable child.
Step 1
Listen to and understand your child's fears, insecurities and worries. Without confronting him directly, ask him how he feels about friendships. Aim to understand how he feels about himself and the type of friends he wishes to make. Before making friends, your child may need to resolve his own insecurities. Help him realize his strengths and positive qualities.
Step 2
Introduce the child to various social opportunities that require him to meet new people and build relationships. If he is particularly shy and timid, include yourself in the social situations. For example, sign up for a group class together, visit neighbors together and take him with you while grocery shopping.
Step 3
Organize activities with one or two potential playmates. Ask your son whom he enjoys spending time with at school and proceed from there. If necessary, speak with your son's teacher for potential playmate recommendations. Contact the children's parents and set up a simple activity at your house or a local park. Invite the parents as well, which should make the children feel more comfortable in the new situation.
Step 4
Offer your child the chance to participate in group activities. Whether he is interested in sports, art, video games or music, you should be able to find a group that suits his interests. Avoid teams or groups that are highly competitive. Instead, opt for groups where all children share the same experience and talent level. As explained on the Parenting Science website, "kids get along better when they are engaged in cooperative activities ... activities in which kids work toward a common goal."
Step 5
Make your home inviting to friends. Although structure and organization is necessary, you want your home to feel comfortable to your child and his friends. Keep snacks easily accessible, set aside a play area specifically for the boys and allow friends to occasionally stay for supper or spend the night at your home. If your child's friends do not feel comfortable in your home, he may avoid inviting them to play; over time, this could be extremely detrimental to his friendships.
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