How Strong Are Your Child's Friendship Making Skills?

o    o    o    Acts too maturely for the group

o    o    o    Hoards toys and doesn't share

o    o    o    Poor manners

o    o    o    Reckless; acts dangerously; takes risks

o    o    o    Impulsive; charges ahead without thinking

o    o    o    Constantly compares self to friends; "You have more"

o    o    o    Is mean and cruel.

o    o    o    Stands too close/too far from kids

o    o    o    Acts bossy: always wants his own way

o    o    o    Uses a sulky, unhappy expression

o    o    o    Too critical or judgmental

o    o    o    Interrupts; never listens to others

Total score:______

So what did you learn about your child? If you recognize a weakness (and it's age appropriate) then just identify one area to work on. The good news is that friendship is made up of dozens of skills and they are teachable. Follow the four steps based on Oden and Asher's research on the best way to Boost Your Childs Friendship-Making Skills.

You can also find dozens of research-based strategies to boost friendship making in my book, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries in Part 5: The Social Scene. Or make an appointment with your child's teacher and develop a plan custom-made for your child.
Michele Borba, Ed.D., is an educational psychologist, former teacher, and mom who is recognized for offering research-driven advice culled from a career of working with over one million parents, educators, and children. A frequent Today show contributor she also appears on Dr. Phil, The View, CNN American Morning, and The Early Show, Michele is the author of 22 books including her latest release, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. Visit her daily blog on or follow her on twitter.

Copyright © Michele Borba. Permission to republish granted to Pregnancy.org, LLC.