Children are now going into a new year of school and there may well be new students coming into their school or class. It can be very scary for new students to join when they don’t know anyone, so it is important that your children are welcoming to those newcomers. By being friendly and approachable, your children and their friends can help ease the transition for the new students, making them feel more comfortable and less anxious about their new school.
When existing students extend a hand of friendship to new students, it shows the new children that they are welcoming and accommodating. Even though they may already have their own group of friends, they need to remember that there is no limit to the number of friends they can have. By welcoming new peers and creating new friendships, they are helping others, expanding their own social circles and discovering shared interests.
For children who don’t have many friends, embracing new students can be particularly beneficial. It’s a chance to develop social skills, build confidence, and find companions who share similar hobbies or values. By being open to making new friends, these students can break out of their comfort zones and experience the joy of forming new, meaningful relationships. If your child does not have many friends, and wants more, let’s try and encourage that.
Creating New Friendships
Creating a welcoming atmosphere doesn’t require grand gestures. Small acts of kindness, can make a significant difference;
- inviting new students to join in group activities
- showing them around the school
- simply offering a friendly smile can make a significant difference.
These actions help new students feel seen, supported and more settled. Welcoming new students shows the new children that the school is a good one to be a part of, that they are inclusive and welcoming and it does not cost anything to be friendly. Embracing new friendships can enrich the lives of both old and new friends, and you can never have too many friends!
More Resources on Children & Friendships
Help with New Secondary School Friendships
