Friends are an indispensable part of a child’s growth path. As parents, how can we help our children find suitable friends? Children’s columnist Charlotte Lativira pointed out that children need at least five types of friends.
1. Find friends nearby
What age is best: before the age of 5
Where to find: Observe the neighbor’s child, if the mother has a friendly appearance, the child is usually good.
The role of this friend: This first companion can teach children to understand that having friends is a very interesting thing.
For this type of playmate, as long as they are of the same age, you don’t need to force them to play games together. Just provide a safe environment for the two children to play on their own, even if they don’t talk to each other, it’s okay because they will definitely get familiar with each other; Set a simple rule for them, such as not allowing fights and sharing toys together; Control children’s play time because they have no sense of time when they start playing.
2. Find friends of the opposite sex
What age is best: almost 5 years old
Where to find: Go to places where children play together, such as small parks, interest classes, etc.
The role of this friend: it will make them more respectful of the opposite sex in the future and easier to have emotional communication with the opposite sex.
It’s not easy for boys and girls to become good friends. You need to help a little bit: at the age of two or three, there’s no difference between boys and girls, but by the age of four, they start to tend to be with same-sex friends. At this point, it’s important to find ways to increase the chances for children to get along with friends of the opposite sex; Emphasize the positive impact brought by friends of the opposite sex, as children who interact with the opposite sex have a broader mindset and ideas; Pay attention to the hints given by oneself. Children are sensitive to their parents’ language and physical cues, and it is best not to say things like “boys are wild” or “girls should wear floral clothes”; Don’t force them to arrange friends according to their own preferences, and don’t “pair” preschool children, as this will make them feel uncomfortable making friends with them.
3. Friends who enjoy sports
What age is best: starting at 3 years old
Where to find: playground, swimming class, and even children running on the road who are just playing ball in front of your door.
The role of this friend is to prevent children from constantly staying at home watching TV.
Inviting this sporty child to take a walk or ride a bike with his family will infect everyone with his strong energy; Don’t describe sports activities as extravagant, because children tend to have a rebellious attitude towards things that are particularly good to adults; Even if his friends are proficient in various sports, don’t expect your child to become the same. As long as he can persist in exercising and sweat more, it is success; It is important to intervene in their relationship in a timely manner, confirm that the children are engaging in beneficial exercise, and let them understand that bragging to friends can hurt their emotions.
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