Making friends is essential for healthy social development, yet it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Many young clients find it challenging to connect with others, especially when feeling shy or adjusting to new environments.
The Friendship Making Skills handout offers strategies for forming new friendships. It teaches ways to start conversations, discover common interests, and build trust over time. It also breaks down friendship-making into five simple steps, such as having courage, taking action, and being open and kind.
By following these steps, kids and teens can feel more confident and less anxious about socializing. They can take proactive steps by stepping out of their comfort zones and exploring new interests. Reading books about friendships can also help them to prepare for social situations.
To make the process enjoyable, caring adults can also organize role-playing activities that simulate social situations, along with other group activities focused on building friendships.
This handout nicely complements our 3-page Making Friends worksheets.
*This item is an instant digital download. A link to download your files will be emailed to you once payment is confirmed.
Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of social skills worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Carter, C. (2021). Navigating young children's friendship selection: Implications for practice. International Journal of Early Years Education, 31(2), 519-534. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669760.2021.1892600
- Güroğlu, B. (2022). The power of friendship: The developmental significance of friendships from a neuroscience perspective. Child Development Perspectives, 16(2), 110-117. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdep.12450
- Holder, M. D., & Coleman, B. (2015). Children’s friendships and positive well-being. Friendship and Happiness, 81-97. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9603-3_5
- Krammer, I., Schrank, B., Pollak, I., Stiehl, K. A., Nater, U. M., & Woodcock, K. A. (2023). Early adolescents' perspectives on factors that facilitate and hinder friendship development with peers at the time of school transition. Journal of School Psychology, 98, 113-132. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2023.03.001
