Make eye contact and listen carefully as your child speaks to you. Children often mimic behaviors portrayed by surrounding adults. Teach children how to effectively communicate early on by setting a good example.
Demonstrate how to use open body language so that other children feel comfortable approaching your child. Teach children to make eye contact, smile and to keep their body turned to the person they are speaking to.
Bring your child to local functions, school events or public play areas. Encourage your child to introduce herself to other children in her age group. Speak with other parents to set up play groups.
Speak with your child about kindness, sharing and patience. Display how to properly share toys and kind words with friends. Remind your child that she needs patience when meeting new people.
Invite children over to your home and allow your child to bring home friends. Allowing new children the opportunity to spend time with your child will increase their chances of making new friends.
Bring your child with you when attending to errands or visits to homes of family or friends. Improve your child's social skills by encouraging her to make introductions with people in your community.
Sign up younger children for a playgroup or push older children to join a sports team or school club. Show your support by becoming a parent chaperone, attending games or by hosting an event.
Stress the importance of having a positive attitude when making new friends and dealing with problems that may arise in those friendships. Portray how to maintain open communication in any type of situation.
Give your child examples on how she could begin a conversation with another child. Explain to your child that asking questions, such as asking for a name or what grade the other child is in, could potentially start a friendship.
Remind your child to always be herself to gain respect and to be happy. Point out that others can usually tell when you are being dishonest or pretending to be something that you are not.