Making Friends
It can sometimes be tricky to talk to people and make friends, especially if you find it hard to communicate or understand how others feel. But making friends and talking to people is really important, and everyone wants you to be happy and feel included at school!
Here are some ideas to help you:
- Join a group that interests you. Whether it's sports, a hobby club, or a youth group, you’re more likely to talk to people and make friends when you’re doing something fun that you enjoy.
- Learn about different feelings. Try to understand how you feel when you're happy, sad, excited, or angry. Also, notice how your friends feel. When you know how people feel, it helps you be kind to them and deal with your own feelings when things are tough.
- Talk about friendship. If you can have conversations, talk with someone you trust about what being a good friend means to you and what you like in a friend.
- Have a playdate. Ask your parent or carer if you can invite a friend over or meet at a park, somewhere you feel comfortable. You might need a little help setting up games like building with Lego, arts and crafts, or playing board games. Some people find it easier to play with a plan instead of just playing freely.
- Start with small amounts of time. If you get overwhelmed in big groups, it might help to spend shorter times with friends at first. For example, at the park or at a birthday party, and then slowly try longer times once you feel more comfortable.
- Take breaks when you need them. Just like you might need a break from schoolwork, you might need a break from socializing, too. If you feel tired or stressed during a party or playdate, it’s okay to take a break and relax for a bit.
- Get ready the night before. If you know you’re going somewhere new or meeting new people, it might help to talk about it beforehand. Ask about who will be there and what activities will happen. This can make things feel a bit less scary or unknown.
Also, you can talk to your school about things that might help, like:
- Lunchtime clubs where you can meet others.
- Buddy programs where someone can help you feel included.
- Circle of Friends groups that help you connect with others.
- If you have something like autism, your school might even be able to set up a special session to help your classmates understand you better and be more supportive
Last updated22 Jan 2025