How to Help Your Elementary Schooler Make Friends

Knowing your child's likes and dislikes is important to understanding how they socialize, says Lea Lis, MD, a double board-certified adult and child psychiatrist. For example, if your child is athletic or loves music, these are shared interests that can serve as the building blocks of their friendships.

If your child has not developed interests like these yet, it may require a little strategic planning on your part to put them in situations where they can learn social skills.

"Set them up with playdates with fewer children at your home where they may feel more comfortable," says Dr. Lis. "Or, keep playdates on the shorter side, especially if they might have social skills deficits. Plan to have lots of fun activities and diversion around to prevent conflict."