| If your child buys friends, she definitely needs | | | | Then practice this skill during the week and let me |
| social skills. As the parent, you can coach your | | | | know the results." |
| child to make true friends with the simple social | | | | Second Social Skill Parenting Tip: |
| skills that build character too. | | | | Advise your child to "Repeat what your friends |
| Recently, I received an email from a psychologist | | | | say in your own words. This will show you really |
| who works with kids. She wrote, "One problem I | | | | listened. Your friend will love your attention. Let's |
| would like to see addressed is when children try | | | | make up some typical situations and role play this |
| and win friends by giving them gifts." What a | | | | skill. Then practice it with other kids this week and |
| great topic! Below are some questions to ask and | | | | tell me the results." |
| 3 parenting tips to share. | | | | Third Social Skill Parenting Tip: |
| Parenting Questions: | | | | Remind your child to "Smile when you talk. Smiling |
| I suggest that you sit down with your kids. Talk | | | | helps you look friendly. Smiles show that you like |
| about making friends and ask these 3 questions | | | | your friends. Smiles relax you inside and give you |
| to get them thinking. | | | | a happy feeling. Let's pretend I'm one of your |
| First - "How could buying friendships with candy | | | | friends and let's practice smiling while we talk. |
| and gifts be an insult to the giver?" | | | | Next, practice this skill with your friends and let |
| Second - "If kids like a person because of their | | | | me know the results." |
| gifts, how good are those friendships?" | | | | Thank you to the psychologist who asked for this |
| Third - "Would you like some secrets to making | | | | topic. I hope you can use these tips. I also hope |
| real friends?" | | | | they help all parents who want their kids to make |
| If your child answers "Yes" to the third question, | | | | true friends. |
| Pick out some social skills your child needs. | | | | Social Skill Conclusion: |
| Practice one a week. Consider using the following | | | | Many kids don't know how to make friends. They |
| social skills. | | | | may be shy, bully other kids, brag, or just feel |
| First Social Skill Parenting Tip: | | | | awkward. As the parent, you have the |
| Tell your child, "Act happy and say, 'Hi,' when you | | | | opportunity to coach them. If you do, you'll be |
| see your friends. Your friends will feel great and | | | | giving them an important skill for life. You'll be |
| so will you. Let's role play this social skill right now. | | | | building character too. |