Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

Part One: How Parents Can Help 1

1 Making Time for Friends 3

2 Curbing Interests That Prevent Friendships 11

3 Developing Interests That Attract Friends 19

4 Using Your Neighborhood School for Friends 27

5 Using Organized Activities to Find Friends 31

6 Improving Your Networking Skills 43

Part Two: Making Friends 49

7 Joining Others at Play 51

8 Becoming a Good Sport 67

9 Looking for Closer Friends and Joining a Friendship Group 79

10 Using the Telephone to Make Friends 87

11 Using Texting and Instant Messaging to Connect with Friends 101

12 Having Fun Play Dates 109

13 Becoming a Better Host 125

14 School Break and Vacation Activities That Promote Friendships 143

Part Three: Keeping Friends 151

15 Encouraging Wise Choices 153

16 Discouraging Poor Choices 159

17 Listening to Your Child’s Worries 169

18 Having Friends Stolen 175

19 Losing a Close Friend 181

20 Divorce and Moving Away 185

Part Four: Dealing with Teasing, Bullying, and Meanness 193

21 Taking the Fun Out of Teasing 195

22 Stopping Rumors 205

23 Staying Away from Children Who Fight 211

24 Dealing with Children Who Bully 217

Part Five Helping Your Child Out of Trouble 227

25 Working with Adults Who Have Trouble with Your Child 229

26 Stopping Your Child’s Fighting 239

27 Overcoming Hyperactive Behavior 247

28 Stopping Your Child’s Bullying 253

29 Not Noticed by Classmates 259

30 Building Friendship Skills and Overcoming a Negative Reputation 267

Notes 269

Resources 281

About the Author 287

Index 289