Watching your child struggle with friendships can be painful—even heartbreaking. At the start of the school year, when everything feels new and stress levels run high, many parents wonder: How can I help my child make friends without overstepping?
Maybe they’re being left out of playdates. Perhaps they struggle to make friends at school. Maybe they got put in a class without their friends. (This happened to my kiddo in 4th grade AND she got the mean teacher – the whole year was a struggle). Or maybe they are simply shy and can’t seem to connect the way other kids do. Whatever the case, it’s hard to know when to step in—and when to step back.
And, it’s worth saying this again – it’s painful.
Not only are you watching your kid feel sad and hurt, it may bring up memories of when you felt left out. Add that all together and you have a storm of big feelings (the technical term is empathic resonance). So it’s natural – you want to make these feelings go away as soon as possible. But what is the best approach? If you’re feeling unsure or second guessing how you handled it in the past – you’re not alone.
Many parents tend to offer advice, coach their every move, reach out to other parents and lie awake worrying about how to fix it. But real friendship skills come from something deeper—and they’re best developed over time, with care, support, and a lot of patience. It isn’t easy and it isn’t quick but we’ve got your back.
Take a moment, breathe deeply, and deploy a little self-compassion. Say to yourself, “This is hard, and I do remember those feelings of rejection or loneliness – and it sucked. But that was then.” It may help you separate those mixed-up emotions so that you can be present for your kid here and now. And if nothing else: take a beat and breathe.
In our new workshop, Help Your Child Make Friends—When to Lean In and When to Let Go, led by Peace at Home expert Aaron Weintraub MS, we’ll explore how you can support your child’s social development without taking over. This session is a warm, practical guide for any parent who wants to help their child build lasting friendships—and confidence, too.
This workshop will strengthen your ability to nurture:
This isn’t about teaching your child to be “popular.”
It’s about helping them form meaningful relationships that grow from authenticity—not pressure.
After the workshop, you’ll be able to:
For your child, this workshop can be a game-changer. You’ll be supporting not just their social skills, but their ability to cope, adapt, and feel a sense of belonging—even when friendships are challenging.
For you, it’s about peace of mind. Instead of second-guessing, you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a toolkit for supporting your child with empathy and calm.
This session is designed for parents of children at all stages—from early elementary through middle school and beyond. Whether your child is shy, struggling, or just learning how to navigate the social world, this workshop offers encouragement and real-world strategies that work. Grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and bring your questions. If there is something you want the teachers to know in advance or address in the session, email us at solutions@peaceathomeparenting.com.
For additional support, check out the School Age Kids and Peace at Home Starts Here Resource Pages with quick videos, handouts, recorded workshops, podcasts, and more. Check out this recorded workshop: Be Your Child’s Emotions Coach.
Looking for more?
Questions? Email us at solutions@peaceathomeparenting.com