Student Wellbeing

Friendship and Social Support

A child with more than one good friend is less likely to have friendship issues than a child who is often alone or who has only one friend. 

How can families help their children to make friends?

• Make sure that your children play with other children at school, at home and in your neighbourhood.

• At home, encourage your children to talk and maintain contact with their extended family – uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents and to talk with adult family friends.

• Invite other children to your home for visits, and show your children how to make their guests feel welcome.

• Help your children to make new friends by encouraging them to develop other interests and hobbies, such as sport, Scouts, dance, drama or music.

• Take your children on holidays to places where there are other children of a similar age.