- Sproutly
- Posts
- 🌱 Friendship and Social Skills 🌱
🌱 Friendship and Social Skills 🌱
Hello Sproutly Families,
Friendships are one of the most rewarding—and sometimes challenging—parts of childhood. Learning how to share, take turns, express feelings, and resolve conflicts are essential social skills that help children build meaningful connections and navigate the world around them.
The early years are a perfect time to start laying the foundation for kindness, empathy, and cooperation. Whether your child is naturally outgoing or more reserved, helping them build strong social habits now will support healthy friendships that can last a lifetime.
This week, we’re focusing on fun, simple ways to help your child grow their friendship skills with confidence and care.
In this newsletter, you will get....
Parenting Tips
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels
Building Social and Friendship Skills
Model Friendly Behavior
Let your child see you greet others warmly, express empathy, and use kind language in everyday life.
Practice “Friendly Words” at Home
Use pretend play or real-life situations to practice saying things like “Can I play with you?”, “I’m sorry,” or “Thank you for sharing.”
Talk About Feelings Often
Help kids learn how to notice and name their own emotions and recognize how others might feel in different situations.
Encourage Group Play
Offer play opportunities with peers—parks, playdates, or group activities—and support your child in learning how to navigate social interactions.
Teach Conflict Tools
Help children use “I” statements like “I feel sad when you take my toy” instead of blaming. Praise problem-solving attempts, even if they’re messy.
Activity of the Week
Photo by Lukas on Pexels
Friendship Flowers
Help children explore the qualities of a good friend and recognize those traits in themselves and others.
Materials Needed: Paper, crayons/markers, scissors (optional), and tape or glue
Steps:
Draw a large flower with a circle center and 5–6 petals.
In the center, write the word "Friendship."
On each petal, help your child write or draw one quality of a good friend (e.g., kind, helpful, shares, listens, says sorry, includes others).
Talk about examples of each quality—maybe even role-play a few!
Hang the flower somewhere visible to remind your child of the things that help friendships grow.
Bonus Variation: Make multiple flowers—one about themselves, and one about a friend or family member they admire.
Friendship skills take time and practice—just like learning to read or ride a bike. With your support, your child can grow into a caring, confident friend who knows how to connect with others in meaningful ways.
This week, take time to talk about kindness, practice empathy, and celebrate the small social wins—like sharing a toy, saying hello, or inviting someone to play. Every interaction is a seed that helps friendships blossom.
Wishing you a week full of connection and kindness,
Millie & Melissa
The Sproutly Team
New here? Join Our Newsletter
