How do you teach your child to be a better friend?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Listen when he describes his day, his interaction with classmates, words he overhead, stories he was told.

Learn the names of his friends and ask questions about them "did you talk to ____ today? How was his day?" and listen to the reply.

When there is a conflict, listen to his side first, then ask how he thinks the other child felt or what was said.

Set a good example by saying please and thank you to other adults, shaking hands in front of him, listening to a friend and not letting my child interrupt. After the conversation, let him know I was listening to a friend and it's not polite to interrupt.

Children are sponges and pick up on every clue we place for them, both the intentional and unintentional ones....

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Answer 2

To be kind, invite the child over for dinner, lunch.

Answer 3

im taught that your always loyal to your friend and not to talk about them behind their backs

Answer 4

Does our answers really even matter here..........

Answer 5

Be showing them.

You teach them that people have feelings.

You don't have to agree with people but you should respect them.

You don't verbally or physically abuse people....etc.

You teach them to treat people the way they want to be treated and that will make them a better friend.

Answer 6

Well, depends on what they're doing them that's making them a ...not-so-good friend. Personally, if my daughter's doing something that I think is wrong, and that she's being awful to someone about something, I just sit down and talk to her. I explain to her what she did, why it wasn't cool, how it made the other child feel, and put her in a scenario where she's on the receiving end. This has worked very well. She shares better now, she's more polite, and she's less likely to say hurtful things. She still slips up, though, because I tend to be very sarcastic. Whoops! Gotta be a better role-model. *lol*

Answer 7

The best way to teach a child is to be a good role model. Children learn from their parents how to be good friends, siblings, spouses, and citizens. That said, your kids are always watching you—so set a positive example!

Kids are born with a survival of the fittest mentality, and social skills are learned. So, don’t expect your toddler to be polite or share his toys (their favorite words are usually “no” and “mine”). Two year olds will play side by side, but it isn’t until they are about three that they will play together. That’s the ideal time to teach a child how to share, take turns, and help a friend in need. I’m a big believer in preschool at this age, as it offers children the opportunity to practice and perfect these skills. But even if your child is not in a structured program, you can set up play dates with other children.

For older children who are in school, friendships and peer groups become increasingly important. And, it’s important for you to stay in loop to help your child establish healthy relationships. Ask your child open-ended questions about what he likes to do with his friends, or what they did on the playground that day. It may lead to a conversation where you can offer advice and problem solve about friendship issues. It also doesn’t hurt to drive the school carpool or coach the little league team. Then you get to be a first-hand observer.

Answer 8

Get a dog

seriously

Answer 9

You didn't say how old the child in question is, but with my 8 year old I talk to her about what I enjoy and appreciate of my friends. I don't make it into a "lesson" I just talk about my friends in passing. In times that she is in the middle of a "friend-conflict" I talk to her about what I went through as a child and teen. And most importantly, I try to set a good example of being a friend. Not only to my friends, but also to everyone in the family.

But my guess is that all you can really do is show by example.. being a friend - like so many other social issues - are a trial and error learning curve. Good luck!

Answer 10

demonstrate through modeling.

Answer 11

a parent can set a best example by being a role model

Answer 12

by being one yourself

Answer 13

children learn from examples provided to them.
Start by showing your child how to be a good friend.
Are you a good friend to your child?
Are you a good friend to your friends and family?
Try to avoid judging people, this has a detremental effect on kids, on the way they see others, and treat others.

Answer 14

Allow them to fail at being a friend.

Seriously. Parents try so hard to make their children perfect, it just takes time. What it takes is one person telling your child, I don't like you, for her to learn that bossing people around isn't okay. It takes one friend saying I'm not playing with you because you don't share, for her to learn how to share. It is okay to remind them before playing, "remember last time how sad Sara felt when you didn't share?".

Being a friend is made of several characteristics, and different types of friends and different characteristics mesh differently, and it takes a while experiencing natural consequences for them to learn. It takes a little pain and a little sorrow, but it'll be a lesson that they always retain.

I do appreciate what someone said about modeling good friendship yourself. Let your child see you having fun with your friend. Make a point to offer a friend (in front of your child) part of your snack ("These cookies are so wonderful, would you like to try some?", or a drink ("I don't know about you, but I'm thirsty, may i get you something?"), or to show them something fun you've seen ("Just last week I got a great magazine in the mail, would you like to borrow it?"). Share with friends. Accept graciously help from your own friends, and be sure to state aloud how cool it was for mom's friend to let you borrow a pie pan, or whatever.

Answer 15

Show them in example.

Answer 16

I have one, how to teach the parents to be a better friend to an adult child of theirs.!!!!

Answer 17

you teach your child anything by being the example. if you are a good friend, your child will learn that from you.

Answer 18

Showing them how to enjoy friendships; encourage the positive friendships.

Show them that it's okay and how to handle disagreements in a friendship.

Explain the gives and takes of the friendship.

Good question!

Answer 19

Children learn by example. If you treat people kindly, they will too.

If they are older than 5, it may be too late to rely just on example. It can also be helpful to sit down and explain to them what it means to be a friend.

Have the child tell you how they want their friends to treat them, and remind them that "to have a friend, is to be a friend".

Answer 20

im a pretty good friend for a kid its just i like to have only one best friend and there is this new girl that we love eachother but my old friend i hate her she is such a whimp.and she cries way to much.

Source(s):

my life

Answer 21

By example. Try to befriend them and their friends plus your own neighbors including potential enemies. Good luck

Answer 22

tell them to be honest and not snobby, Tell them to have manners and be aware of what you say and if that doesn't work a friend is still someone who likes you for who you are.

Answer 23

I appreciate the Answers put forward by 'Dr. Ari Brown' above.

I would like to add one more thing, please hug your child at every possible opportunity and make him/her feel important even if they are among the adults' conversation circle. Child's strong self esteem leads him/her to reach out and make new and better friends.

Answer 24

i try to instill empathy into my oldest child, he is 4. we take his clothes, shoes and toys that he doesn't want and we give it away to the ronald mcdonald's house. he understands that children around the world are less fortunate than he, and it makes him feel better about things he has no control over. when he donates it makes him feel good.
in the friend dept., he knows hitting is not ever allowed. it is just unacceptable. he shares, he's always had a big heart. and if he has a problem he can just walk away and tell an adult. his papa is his best friend. =)

Answer 25

to teach a child how to be a better friend is by setting an example for the child by being a better friend to your neighbors and closest friends by doing this it will teach the child how to be kinder to others and more caring towards others.

Answer 26

Setting an example to show your child what it means to forgive, accept and love unconditionally not only to them, this includes other people outside of home. The challenge is there will be difficult people we will have a hard time to apply forgiveness, acceptance and unconditionally love. Remember, your child's eyes are on you, even when you forget this. They watch what you do and listen to what you say to everything and everyone. Biases, discrimination, prejudice and hate or love is learn at home.

Source(s):

Life experience.

Answer 27

I have 13 year old twins. I was told from their teacher and the principal that they are the most loving children they have met in along time. I was also told very giving and compassionate children as well. That made me feel very proud. I've taught them to be impartial to all persons. To first put themselves in the situation and see how they would feel. I taught them to share their materials, such as food, books, time and love with all especially those that others laugh at. These things will come back to them and much more if they do in other rewards than what was given. I also brought them along with me for the Charity walks that I do such as Cancer Research, M.S. Society, food for breakfast clubs at local schools. We have gone door to door canvassing. I let them know the reality of the world and some of the people in it. We pray ever single night since the day they were born for ourselves and others. I also taught them to be their own best friend. I'm a very proud mother and oh so proud of who they are becoming.....kat....

Answer 28

show your child how u greet your frend,how u invite ur frend 4 dinner and how u treat ur frend so ur child can follow wat ur doing coz "a good leader is a good follower".

or u tell ur child stories about being a good frend and stories that tell moral lessons.

or u tell ur child tobe kind,to be helpful and how to do good manners. so ur child will not be a good frend only but will be a good and respectful person also.

i hope this helps ur problem.

god bless!!!

Answer 29

By being kind and trustworthy to your child, by being a positive role model, and by treating your kid with love, dignity, and respect.

Answer 30

be a friend to the child not just a parent.show the child what a better friend you are to her/him.then that child would do the same thing to you and to others.

Answer 31

you have to be friendly to your kids so they can speak to freely don't hide any thing from you then your advice will work about friendship