| Does your child buy friendships with candy and gifts? | | | | Let's role play this social skill right now. Then practice |
| Are you worried that she's being used? Would you like | | | | this skill during the week and let me know the results." |
| her to find a better way to make friends? Inside you'll | | | | Second Social Skill Parenting Tip: |
| find 3 parenting tips for making friends without buying | | | | Advise your child to "Repeat what your friends say in |
| them. | | | | your own words. This will show you really listened. |
| Recently, I received an email from a psychologist who | | | | Your friend will love your attention. Let's make up |
| works with kids. She wrote, "One problem I would like | | | | some typical situations and role play this skill. Then |
| to see addressed is when children try and win friends | | | | practice it with other kids this week and tell me the |
| by giving them gifts." What a great topic! Below are | | | | results." |
| some questions to ask and 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 about | | | | helps you look friendly. Smiles show that you like your |
| making friends and ask these 3 questions to get them | | | | friends. Smiles relax you inside and give you a happy |
| thinking. | | | | feeling. Let's pretend I'm one of your friends and let's |
| First - "How could buying friendships with candy and | | | | practice smiling while we talk. Next, practice this skill |
| gifts be an insult to the giver?" | | | | with your friends and let me know the results." |
| Second - "If kids like a person because of their gifts, | | | | Thank you to the psychologist who asked for this |
| how good are those friendships?" | | | | topic. I hope you can use these tips. I also hope they |
| Third - "Would you like some secrets to making real | | | | help all parents who want their kids to make true |
| friends?" | | | | friends. |
| If your child answers "Yes" to the third question, Pick | | | | Social Skill Conclusion: |
| out some social skills your child needs. Practice one a | | | | Many kids don't know how to make friends. They may |
| week. Consider using the following social skills. | | | | be shy, bully other kids, brag, or just feel awkward. As |
| First Social Skill Parenting Tip: | | | | the parent, you have the opportunity to coach them. If |
| Tell your child, "Act happy and say, 'Hi,' when you see | | | | you do, you'll be giving them an important skill for life. |
| your friends. Your friends will feel great and so will you. | | | | You'll be building character too. |