Contents:<\/h2>\n\n- Why Is It So Hard to Make New Friends at School?<\/a>\n
\n- Coping With Loneliness<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- How to Make Friends at School: Proven Tips and Tricks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Making Friends at School: Practical Tips<\/a>\n
\n- Conversation Starters<\/a><\/li>\n
- Other Icebreakers: Games and Activities\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Other Useful Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- For Parents: How to Help Kids Make New Friends<\/a><\/li>\n
- FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why Is It So Hard to Make New Friends at School?<\/h2>\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2022\/10\/school-sad-girl.jpg\" "\\"how")
Inside Creative House\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Let\u2019s start with the obvious: making friends at school is hard! When you understand why it\u2019s so difficult, though, you can start to unravel the mystery of making social connections with your peers.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re struggling to make new friends, the most important thing to remember is that you\u2019re not alone! Almost everyone deals with this problem at one time or another, even kids who appear confident or even popular.<\/p>\n
Once you grasp how common the issue is, you\u2019ll start to feel a little bit better about your own predicament.<\/p>\n
In fact, this underscores the real reason it\u2019s so hard to make friends in the first place. Kids tend to assume they are the only ones having a hard time forming relationships. This leads them to believe that there\u2019s something wrong with them. Pretty soon, they\u2019ve convinced themselves that no one wants to be their friend at all. This only makes the situation worse as kids begin to withdraw socially and embrace isolation, impacting both mental health and overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\nCoping With Loneliness<\/h3>\n
Sometimes realizing that other people are dealing with the same problem in terms of making friends at school can be comforting. But other times, it\u2019s not enough. When feelings of loneliness and isolation creep in, things can spiral downward quickly.<\/p>\n
Here are some actionable steps you can take to combat these negative emotions when and if they do arise.<\/p>\n
Keep a Journal<\/h4>\n
When you feel like you don\u2019t have anyone to talk to, writing down your feelings can help. In a way, keeping a journal or diary is like having a best friend to confide in. And bonus, you don\u2019t have to worry about them ever telling your secrets!<\/p>\n
New to the idea of journaling? Not to worry. There are no rules, which makes keeping a journal or diary one of the simplest things you\u2019ll ever do. Just write down whatever you feel like\u2014whenever you feel like it! It really is that simple, and the effects can be powerful.<\/p>\n
Find a Creative Outlet<\/h4>\n
If you\u2019re feeling lonely, tapping into your creative side can help. Consider sketching, writing poetry, or learning to play an instrument. These hobbies can be great ways to pass the time and even provide an emotional outlet. As an added perk, you may be able to connect with others who share your creative interests when the time is right. Win-win!<\/p>\n
Reach Out to Someone You Trust<\/h4>\n
Of course, even the best journal is no replacement for an actual person you can trust. Talking to someone about your feelings is perhaps the best way to combat loneliness. After all, once you share your feelings, you\u2019re not alone anymore! If your social circle at school is feeling a bit sparse at the moment, consider reaching out to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or coach. They may also have some wellness resources that they can offer to help you with building new friendships.<\/span><\/p>\nHow to Make Friends at School: Proven Tips and Tricks<\/h2>\n![\"chat](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2022\/10\/school-friends-02.jpg\")
BearFotos\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Despite what you might think, no one is doomed to eat alone at lunch forever. Even the shyest kids can make new friends quickly with a few simple techniques.<\/p>\n
Be Open to Making Connections<\/h3>\n
We\u2019ll start with perhaps the most important trick for making friends at school\u2014being open to new connections. When kids struggle to make new friends, they often feel insecure and close themselves off entirely from connections with their schoolmates.<\/p>\n
What does this look like? Imagine the child at school who eats lunch in the back of the room, wearing a hoodie over their head and earbuds in their ears. By protecting themselves from feelings of vulnerability, these kids are inadvertently making the problem worse!<\/p>\n
As difficult as it might be, if you want to make friends at school, you have to be open to interacting with others. This means looking approachable. <\/span>Take your earbuds out, smile, make eye contact, and pay attention to your body language. Maintaining a positive attitude shows openness and can help you naturally influence people in a kind way.<\/span><\/p>\nJoin Clubs or Sports<\/h3>\n
New friendships are often born out of <\/span>shared<\/span> interests. That\u2019s why joining school clubs or sports teams is a good step towards making new friends. The trick is to<\/span> find an activity or organization that genuinely interests you<\/span>. That way, you can meet like-minded people. Pretty soon, you\u2019ll be bonding over your mutual passion for chess, football, music, or whatever it might be!<\/span><\/p>\nParticipating in social activities outside of the school day provides students with excellent opportunities to form friendships with individuals<\/span> they may not have class time with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMake the First Move<\/h3>\n
We often talk about making the first move when there\u2019s a romantic interest. But this technique is perfect for making new friends as well. So many great friendships go unpursued because neither person is willing to initiate a conversation. Initiating a conversation or connection with a classmate will require some bravery on your part, but it will be worth it in the end.<\/p>\n
Our advice? Don\u2019t let your next friendship slip through your fingers due to a lack of confidence. After all, what do you have to lose? Just take a deep breath, walk up, and say hi! The rest will likely fall into place.<\/p>\n
Not sure who to approach? Find someone else who looks like they need a friend. <\/span>This is an act of kindness that often leads to inclusive behavior that makes everyone feel welcome.<\/span><\/p>\nConnect on Social Media<\/h3>\n
Sometimes, social media is perceived as a replacement for real-life connections, but it doesn\u2019t have to be. In fact, many middle and high school kids use social media as a way to extend their friendships outside of class. Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat are all popular platforms where kids can interact online and grow their relationships (with their parents’ approval, of course).<\/p>\n
Some new apps are even designed with the express intent of helping people make new friends. These are similar to dating apps, but they\u2019re not intended to ignite romance. Instead, they facilitate platonic friendships between people with similar interests. Examples include BumbleBFF and Friender.<\/p>\n
Read also: A Child\u2019s Fear of School: Everything You Need to Know About Scolionophobia<\/a>.<\/p>\nMaking Friends at School: Practical Tips<\/h2>\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2021\/03\/kanikuly-2.jpg\")
SpeedKingz\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Like so many other tidbits of advice, suggestions about making friends at school can be easier said than done. That\u2019s why we\u2019re including some practical tips you can apply right away to expand your social circle.<\/p>\n
Conversation Starters<\/h3>\n
Striking up a conversation with a classmate is a great way to spark an instant friendship. But what should you talk about? That can be a difficult question to answer! Here are a few ideas for conversation starters that should move things in the right direction with your new friend.<\/p>\n
What Classes Are You Taking?<\/h4>\n
When starting a conversation with a new friend, start with something you both have in common. This will help you avoid any awkward lulls in the chat that could make one of you want to walk away. Asking about your mate\u2019s class schedule can be a safe bet. This could lead you into a discussion about favorite subjects, dreaded teachers, and anything else you might share related to school.<\/p>\n
Do You Have a Pet?<\/h4>\n
When talking to new potential friends<\/span>, you don\u2019t have to limit the discussion to school. If you really want to connect, ask about something more personal, like a family pet. This is a particularly useful conversation starter if you have a pet of your own you can talk about.<\/p>\nWhat Kind of Music Do You Listen To?<\/h4>\n
Listening to music is one of those universal pastimes that connects us all. In fact, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn\u2019t like at least one genre of music. This is why topics related to bands, songs, and lyrics make great conversation starters <\/span>and a great way to find some common ground. <\/span>If you do decide to use this particular question, be prepared to share your own musical interests, including a few artists and albums you can discuss.<\/p>\nOther Icebreakers: Games and Activities<\/h3>\n![\"i](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2022\/08\/school-game2.jpg\")
Studio Romantic\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Making conversation is a popular way to make connections with new friends, but it\u2019s not the only way.<\/p>\n
New Apps and Games<\/h4>\n
Whether you\u2019re in middle school or high school, you\u2019re likely surrounded by kids who are glued to their devices. Use this as an opportunity to connect by introducing them to a new favorite game or app. Pick something that\u2019s interesting and easy to learn. Need ideas? Just open the app store on your phone and explore!<\/p>\n
Old-School Games<\/h4>\n
Kids have been making friends for centuries, even without the help of digital devices. Today, pencil and paper games have taken on a renewed charm. For an old-school experience, put the phone away and ask a new friend to play hangman, tic-tac-toe, or connect-the-dots. This is also a great way to bond while developing problem-solving skills, making it more likely to become friends with people.<\/span><\/p>\nJokes and Funny Videos<\/h4>\n
Countless friendships have been formed over a good laugh. If you want to make a new friend at school, try telling them a joke. Even if the punchline falls flat, you still have a good chance at bonding over the attempt at humor. If you\u2019re too shy to tell a joke yourself, let the Internet tell one for you. There\u2019s no shortage of funny videos and memes online, so find one you think your new friend will like and share away!<\/p>\n
Other Useful Tips<\/h3>\n\n- Ask open-ended questions and be prepared to answer them yourself, and have follow-up questions to keep the conversation going<\/span>.<\/li>\n
- Talk first to someone who\u2019s alone.<\/li>\n
- Attend social events.<\/li>\n
- Join a group conversation.<\/li>\n
- Give compliments! That will help you to break the ice.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
For Parents: How to Help Kids Make New Friends<\/h2>\n![\"games](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2022\/10\/school-mum-friends.jpg\")
SALMONNEGRO-STOCK\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Parents whose children <\/span>experience social anxiety and<\/span> struggle to make friends at school face a difficult dilemma: to get involved or stand back and hope things resolve themselves. It can be a delicate situation, but it is possible to support your child in the social arena without overstepping.<\/p>\nBe a Good Example<\/h3>\n
As we get older, friendships can take a backseat to other priorities in life. Parents are wise to model positive relationships<\/span> and supportive friendships <\/span>with peers for their children, though. When kids see your social abilities in action,<\/span> like giving emotional support to your friend group, t<\/span>hey\u2019ll naturally pick up on the skills required to navigate their own friendships.<\/span><\/p>\nFacilitate Real-Life Meetups<\/h3>\n
For your kids\u2019 friendships to thrive, they need time and space outside of the school environment. This quality time with their real friends will help create strong friendships that will last over time. <\/span>Middle schoolers and even high schoolers will need your help to meet up with their friends after school and on the weekends. Offer to drive them to safe places for meetups and be willing to chaperone when necessary.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Coping With Loneliness<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- How to Make Friends at School: Proven Tips and Tricks<\/a><\/li>\n
- Making Friends at School: Practical Tips<\/a>\n
- \n
- Conversation Starters<\/a><\/li>\n
- Other Icebreakers: Games and Activities\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Other Useful Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- For Parents: How to Help Kids Make New Friends<\/a><\/li>\n
- FAQs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why Is It So Hard to Make New Friends at School?<\/h2>\n
Inside Creative House\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Let\u2019s start with the obvious: making friends at school is hard! When you understand why it\u2019s so difficult, though, you can start to unravel the mystery of making social connections with your peers.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re struggling to make new friends, the most important thing to remember is that you\u2019re not alone! Almost everyone deals with this problem at one time or another, even kids who appear confident or even popular.<\/p>\n
Once you grasp how common the issue is, you\u2019ll start to feel a little bit better about your own predicament.<\/p>\n
In fact, this underscores the real reason it\u2019s so hard to make friends in the first place. Kids tend to assume they are the only ones having a hard time forming relationships. This leads them to believe that there\u2019s something wrong with them. Pretty soon, they\u2019ve convinced themselves that no one wants to be their friend at all. This only makes the situation worse as kids begin to withdraw socially and embrace isolation, impacting both mental health and overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n
Coping With Loneliness<\/h3>\n
Sometimes realizing that other people are dealing with the same problem in terms of making friends at school can be comforting. But other times, it\u2019s not enough. When feelings of loneliness and isolation creep in, things can spiral downward quickly.<\/p>\n
Here are some actionable steps you can take to combat these negative emotions when and if they do arise.<\/p>\n
Keep a Journal<\/h4>\n
When you feel like you don\u2019t have anyone to talk to, writing down your feelings can help. In a way, keeping a journal or diary is like having a best friend to confide in. And bonus, you don\u2019t have to worry about them ever telling your secrets!<\/p>\n
New to the idea of journaling? Not to worry. There are no rules, which makes keeping a journal or diary one of the simplest things you\u2019ll ever do. Just write down whatever you feel like\u2014whenever you feel like it! It really is that simple, and the effects can be powerful.<\/p>\n
Find a Creative Outlet<\/h4>\n
If you\u2019re feeling lonely, tapping into your creative side can help. Consider sketching, writing poetry, or learning to play an instrument. These hobbies can be great ways to pass the time and even provide an emotional outlet. As an added perk, you may be able to connect with others who share your creative interests when the time is right. Win-win!<\/p>\n
Reach Out to Someone You Trust<\/h4>\n
Of course, even the best journal is no replacement for an actual person you can trust. Talking to someone about your feelings is perhaps the best way to combat loneliness. After all, once you share your feelings, you\u2019re not alone anymore! If your social circle at school is feeling a bit sparse at the moment, consider reaching out to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or coach. They may also have some wellness resources that they can offer to help you with building new friendships.<\/span><\/p>\n
How to Make Friends at School: Proven Tips and Tricks<\/h2>\n
BearFotos\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Despite what you might think, no one is doomed to eat alone at lunch forever. Even the shyest kids can make new friends quickly with a few simple techniques.<\/p>\n
Be Open to Making Connections<\/h3>\n
We\u2019ll start with perhaps the most important trick for making friends at school\u2014being open to new connections. When kids struggle to make new friends, they often feel insecure and close themselves off entirely from connections with their schoolmates.<\/p>\n
What does this look like? Imagine the child at school who eats lunch in the back of the room, wearing a hoodie over their head and earbuds in their ears. By protecting themselves from feelings of vulnerability, these kids are inadvertently making the problem worse!<\/p>\n
As difficult as it might be, if you want to make friends at school, you have to be open to interacting with others. This means looking approachable. <\/span>Take your earbuds out, smile, make eye contact, and pay attention to your body language. Maintaining a positive attitude shows openness and can help you naturally influence people in a kind way.<\/span><\/p>\n
Join Clubs or Sports<\/h3>\n
New friendships are often born out of <\/span>shared<\/span> interests. That\u2019s why joining school clubs or sports teams is a good step towards making new friends. The trick is to<\/span> find an activity or organization that genuinely interests you<\/span>. That way, you can meet like-minded people. Pretty soon, you\u2019ll be bonding over your mutual passion for chess, football, music, or whatever it might be!<\/span><\/p>\n
Participating in social activities outside of the school day provides students with excellent opportunities to form friendships with individuals<\/span> they may not have class time with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Make the First Move<\/h3>\n
We often talk about making the first move when there\u2019s a romantic interest. But this technique is perfect for making new friends as well. So many great friendships go unpursued because neither person is willing to initiate a conversation. Initiating a conversation or connection with a classmate will require some bravery on your part, but it will be worth it in the end.<\/p>\n
Our advice? Don\u2019t let your next friendship slip through your fingers due to a lack of confidence. After all, what do you have to lose? Just take a deep breath, walk up, and say hi! The rest will likely fall into place.<\/p>\n
Not sure who to approach? Find someone else who looks like they need a friend. <\/span>This is an act of kindness that often leads to inclusive behavior that makes everyone feel welcome.<\/span><\/p>\n
Connect on Social Media<\/h3>\n
Sometimes, social media is perceived as a replacement for real-life connections, but it doesn\u2019t have to be. In fact, many middle and high school kids use social media as a way to extend their friendships outside of class. Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat are all popular platforms where kids can interact online and grow their relationships (with their parents’ approval, of course).<\/p>\n
Some new apps are even designed with the express intent of helping people make new friends. These are similar to dating apps, but they\u2019re not intended to ignite romance. Instead, they facilitate platonic friendships between people with similar interests. Examples include BumbleBFF and Friender.<\/p>\n
Read also: A Child\u2019s Fear of School: Everything You Need to Know About Scolionophobia<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Making Friends at School: Practical Tips<\/h2>\n
SpeedKingz\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Like so many other tidbits of advice, suggestions about making friends at school can be easier said than done. That\u2019s why we\u2019re including some practical tips you can apply right away to expand your social circle.<\/p>\n
Conversation Starters<\/h3>\n
Striking up a conversation with a classmate is a great way to spark an instant friendship. But what should you talk about? That can be a difficult question to answer! Here are a few ideas for conversation starters that should move things in the right direction with your new friend.<\/p>\n
What Classes Are You Taking?<\/h4>\n
When starting a conversation with a new friend, start with something you both have in common. This will help you avoid any awkward lulls in the chat that could make one of you want to walk away. Asking about your mate\u2019s class schedule can be a safe bet. This could lead you into a discussion about favorite subjects, dreaded teachers, and anything else you might share related to school.<\/p>\n
Do You Have a Pet?<\/h4>\n
When talking to new potential friends<\/span>, you don\u2019t have to limit the discussion to school. If you really want to connect, ask about something more personal, like a family pet. This is a particularly useful conversation starter if you have a pet of your own you can talk about.<\/p>\n
What Kind of Music Do You Listen To?<\/h4>\n
Listening to music is one of those universal pastimes that connects us all. In fact, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn\u2019t like at least one genre of music. This is why topics related to bands, songs, and lyrics make great conversation starters <\/span>and a great way to find some common ground. <\/span>If you do decide to use this particular question, be prepared to share your own musical interests, including a few artists and albums you can discuss.<\/p>\n
Other Icebreakers: Games and Activities<\/h3>\n
Studio Romantic\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Making conversation is a popular way to make connections with new friends, but it\u2019s not the only way.<\/p>\n
New Apps and Games<\/h4>\n
Whether you\u2019re in middle school or high school, you\u2019re likely surrounded by kids who are glued to their devices. Use this as an opportunity to connect by introducing them to a new favorite game or app. Pick something that\u2019s interesting and easy to learn. Need ideas? Just open the app store on your phone and explore!<\/p>\n
Old-School Games<\/h4>\n
Kids have been making friends for centuries, even without the help of digital devices. Today, pencil and paper games have taken on a renewed charm. For an old-school experience, put the phone away and ask a new friend to play hangman, tic-tac-toe, or connect-the-dots. This is also a great way to bond while developing problem-solving skills, making it more likely to become friends with people.<\/span><\/p>\n
Jokes and Funny Videos<\/h4>\n
Countless friendships have been formed over a good laugh. If you want to make a new friend at school, try telling them a joke. Even if the punchline falls flat, you still have a good chance at bonding over the attempt at humor. If you\u2019re too shy to tell a joke yourself, let the Internet tell one for you. There\u2019s no shortage of funny videos and memes online, so find one you think your new friend will like and share away!<\/p>\n
Other Useful Tips<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Ask open-ended questions and be prepared to answer them yourself, and have follow-up questions to keep the conversation going<\/span>.<\/li>\n
- Talk first to someone who\u2019s alone.<\/li>\n
- Attend social events.<\/li>\n
- Join a group conversation.<\/li>\n
- Give compliments! That will help you to break the ice.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
For Parents: How to Help Kids Make New Friends<\/h2>\n
SALMONNEGRO-STOCK\/Shutterstock.com<\/p><\/div>\n
Parents whose children <\/span>experience social anxiety and<\/span> struggle to make friends at school face a difficult dilemma: to get involved or stand back and hope things resolve themselves. It can be a delicate situation, but it is possible to support your child in the social arena without overstepping.<\/p>\n
Be a Good Example<\/h3>\n
As we get older, friendships can take a backseat to other priorities in life. Parents are wise to model positive relationships<\/span> and supportive friendships <\/span>with peers for their children, though. When kids see your social abilities in action,<\/span> like giving emotional support to your friend group, t<\/span>hey\u2019ll naturally pick up on the skills required to navigate their own friendships.<\/span><\/p>\n
Facilitate Real-Life Meetups<\/h3>\n
For your kids\u2019 friendships to thrive, they need time and space outside of the school environment. This quality time with their real friends will help create strong friendships that will last over time. <\/span>Middle schoolers and even high schoolers will need your help to meet up with their friends after school and on the weekends. Offer to drive them to safe places for meetups and be willing to chaperone when necessary.<\/p>\n
- Other Icebreakers: Games and Activities\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Make Friends at School: Proven Tips and Tricks<\/a><\/li>\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/cdn-blog.findmykids.org\/2022\/06\/shutterstock_721549057.jpg\")