When your child struggles to make friends

Eight-year-old Amanda stormed into the kitchen. "Those kids are so mean! No one will be my friend. They won’t play my games or follow my rules."

Jill gave her daughter a hug. "Can I tell you a wonderful friendship secret? Be the kind of friend you’d like to have. Choose to be kind and think about other people’s feelings, Amanda. Take turns and let them make up the rules sometimes. If you do, you’ll be a friend, and you’ll make friends."

Jill wanted Amanda to learn that:

• Being bossy doesn't build friendships.
• Making friends takes time.
• Caring for others develops the relationship.
• Being a friend doesn't guarantee that others will be your friend, but it does make it more likely.
• Following godly principles will help a child find friends who really care about her.