How do you help your child build lasting friendships? She has been at the same school since prep but has not made any meaningful friendships. She isn’t invited to do things with any kids from school.
They came to her party but other then that nothing.
How do you find other people to make meaningful relationships with?
I don’t have a lot of friends or close friends so she doesn’t have that bond with my friends kids.
She has autism adhd and anxiety and I feel this impacts her friendships greatly.
My sisters kids don’t want to spend time with her often or sleep over.
I feel she’s so isolated.
I know what that’s like. That was my entire childhood. I had one friend from grade 2 onwards. We are still friends today but she is probably my only friend.
My heart hurts for my daughter because she loves people and just wants to have friends.
My door is an open door policy for her friends. They are welcome anytime. She is an only child so friendships are important.
I just wish I knew how to help her make friends. She is 7.5years old.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks
4 Replies
What about extra curricular activities? Scouts, sports,arts??
I was like this, always. I had people to hang out with but never meaningful friendships. I was the problem now I look back on it.. I just wasn’t people’s cups of tea and particularly parents didn’t like me.
I’m autistic and yes her autism would be a factor.
Does she have any special interests? I made my friends over shared interests. If she has a special interest enrolling her in a group that centres on that can help.
My daughter was very similar to yours - she doesn't have autism/adhd, but struggled a lot to find close friends. However she is now 10, in year 5 and has finally found a small group. I was also so sad for her all these years as I was the same - I never had a close friend until high school and it was really hard and lonely. She never really let it show that it bothered her except when her younger sister kept getting party invitations and she didn't. It didn't seem to matter what extra activities I put her in - she just took time and finally found "her people". She adores them (and vice versa) now. So my only suggestion is time. I wish I had an answer. My daughter buried herself in books and at the library in the meantime.