The relationships from our childhood are fundamental to our development and happiness! If your child is struggling to make that bond with one of their playmates, you can help them make that connection. Giving your little one the tools to be a kind and caring human to everyone they meet is key!

Explain what it means to be a good friend!

Demonstrating what makes a good friend starts at home! Talk about the characteristics that make up a good friend and ask them to name things they love about their friends. Getting a clear idea of what friendship looks like is important for when your kids need to make a decision.

Spotlight the things that make everyone unique!

Learning about different countries and cultures is a fun way to teach your little one more about the friends they will make along the way. Your child will certainly have friends that look different than them, so understanding the unique qualities in their classmates is sure to help them expand their social circles easier!

Encourage them to share!

Provide your little one with enough of a snack or treat to pass out with all of their friends! Ice pops or stickers are great items to buy in bulk that they can share with kids of the playground. Seeing their friends enjoy these treats should make them excited because they were able to bring some joy to someone they love.

Help them write letters to their friends!

Showing them the joy of sending and receiving letters is a great way to introduce the concept of staying in touch! Purchase a set of blank cards for your kiddos to decorate for each friend. Let them add the stamps and use glue to seal the envelopes. It’s never too soon to learn about the postal system!

The best way to show someone they are your friend is to invite them to a fun sleepover! Celebrate an upcoming milestone or occasion with your children and their best friends during a Sleepover & Co. Slumber party! What fun ways do you encourage your little ones to be a good best friend to everyone they meet?