Girls just want to have fun - and make friends! Not necessarily in that order. Friendships are a top priority as a girl develops, and recent studies have shown that when your girl has a friend by her side:
- physical obstacles seem smaller and less daunting
- she’ll be motivated to work harder and aim higher
- school transitions go a lot more smoothly
- her stress levels go down and her general health improves
- and physical or emotional pain feels a bit more manageable
All parents want their have friends and fun in her life, but given the benefits of friendship, you might want to take more of a role in helping her foster the kind of healthy and meaningful relationships she’s naturally ready for. It’s only normal that as your girl gets a little older, starts school, and gains independence, friendships of proximity and convenience will give way to relationships based on common interests, values, and similarities in personality. Of course, not every person your girl wants to be friends with will feel the same way, and that's OK, but the more she puts herself out there and connects with other kids, the more opportunities she'll have to grow her social circle. Having to make new friends might be intimidating to your child, so go over these ideas and see if she can come up with more on her own.
Here are three super simple ways you can help her find those friends and nourish meaningful relationships:
- Plan play dates
There’s no denying that it takes some work to reach out to other parents, schedule around after school activities, holidays, and other obligations, and then actually host a playdate—virtually or in-person if it's safe—for your daughter and her friends, but it’s well worth it! Spending time getting to know friends outside of school can help your girl bond on a deeper level. And if you play an active part in the time, you can observe your daughter’s social skills so you get a sense for her strengths and the areas where she might have room to grow. And as your daughter gets older? Say yes to the team carpool or driving her to her friend’s house on the weekend, or suggest that she invite a few girlfriends for a slumber party here and there. All of this time is an investment in your girl’s happiness and overall wellbeing. - Teach her empathy
Making friends is only half the battle—to get the real benefits of friendship, your daughter will have to keep these new friends she’s making, too! Helping your daughter understand the concept of empathy and imagine herself into another girl’s shoes will go a long way in helping her be a friend to others. If you’re watching a show or movie, and a character has hurt feelings or is angry at another person, take the opportunity to ask your girl why that character feels that way. Has anyone ever made her have similar feelings? - Show her what friendship looks like
Girls—especially little ones—take their social cues from their parents, so watching how you interact with your friends will shape how your daughter interacts with other kids. Naturally, no relationship is without its hiccups, but if you have a disagreement with a friend, think about how your daughter sees you handling that. Do you listen thoughtfully even when you disagree? If you hurt a friend’s feelings, or upset her in some other way, do you apologize? Do the people you consider friends treat you with respect and kindness? Are they trustworthy and supportive of your passions? Asking yourself these and other questions will not only ensure your daughter is learning about healthy friendships, but it will also help you to have a healthier and happier social life, too!
Forever friendship is a powerful thing. It’s what gives Girl Scouts the confidence to be themselves, unapologetically. It’s what makes them feel safe enough to try new things and cheer each other on in tough times. It’s the support that can get them up on tough mornings, help them raise their hand in class, and even climb to the top of a mountain.
There’s no denying that it takes some work to help girls build friendships, but it's worth it! One organization to consider when you're looking for connections is Girl Scouts. Learn more at www.gsccc.org.
 |  |
