Win a Mini Microscooter plus a bundle of Alfie books

The more interaction the better, so take them to parks and soft play areas when they are toddling and then help out ferrying them to activity groups as they get older. You can't make them make friends, only encourage the right skills to develop.

I would say that discussing the benefits of having friends is a good start - talk about how much more fun it is to do things together, to share experiences, to learn together and to help each other when needed. Find places where it is easier for children to mix and socialise and encourage them to include other children in their games. If your grandchild is very confident maybe they could befriend a child that is shy or needs extra help so that both children benefit from the relationship and learn life skills in fun ways. Reading books about friendships is also a way to show your grandchildren all the different ways friendships can be formed, how groups of friends can play great games together, hold competitions, compete in team sports/games etc. Use lots of praise where appropriate and encourage healthy friendships.

I think nursery from an early age helps enormously as they learn that mixing and playing with others is the norm. Also if you see them ganging back with other children, go and talk to those children yourself, they will soon come over and join in.

Just make sure they know everyday that they are loved and supported, and their confidence will come from this. Show them by example how to be kind to others and their friendships will blossom. And if all else fails and they are not finding it easy to fit in, just fall back on the words of that great philosopher Winne the Pooh - "Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know".

I think that children need to be open to various social situations at a young age so they learn how to be social themselves. I encouraged my daughter to take them to messy play as babies, a fun music session and toddlers and go along when needed to. I now have a very social nursery age Grandson who loves going to the park and play areas and can mix with all ages.

Lead by example, be sociable yourself and encourage children to be interested in others from an early age. Do everything you can to build up their confidence. Some children just make friends naturally while others need a bit of help. Inviting friends round to play can encourage friendships within the safe environment of home, good preparation for the big world of school

Smile,say hello and share

Answer when spoken to and share their toys.

My GD made a friend at nursery and they are good friends at school now. Their mothers encourage the friendship with out of school meet ups. I take her younger sister to play with my friend's granddaughter when it's my childminding day, they are very friendly together it's lovely to watch.

y grandchildren have play dates and sleepovers with their friends. Their friends are made from nursery school, and carries on into primary school. It also helps if the children's parents make friends with each other and help each other out, if needed.

The best tip is not to isolate them and get them used to the company of other children.

As others have said taking them to social events like play groups, soft play, nursery and youth clubs, age appropriate, are good for them to mix with potential friends of their age. Encourage contact but do not push them into anything as this will come naturally in time when they feel comfortable.
If they are having difficulties mixing go to places with a mix of adults and children as socializing with them will boost their confidence and make them feel more secure. They will run off on their own all in good time.

My GD is quite shy, so its a question of patience, encouraging her to play alongside other children, and talking to her about friends and cousins. She has begun saying her best friend is Emily from nursery, so Mum may arrange to meet up with Emily's mum outside of nursery to encourage the friendship. GD does however love playing ( rather too enthusiastically at times) with her brother!

to just be thierselves, have a smile on thier face and be friendly and kind x

Try to be sociable yourself. Children learn from us

Share your sweets

Take them to toddler groups, playgrounds and the beach

Talk about their day, ask them who they have been playing with and encourage them to spend more time getting to know those young people

When I take my grandchildren to any play area I always join in with the play and encourage my grandchildren to interact with other children while they play. I see other grandparents or parents just standing back and watching but by joining in other children feel comfortable and able to chat to others

Sit close by and chat to the other children's parents, soon they will start to join in with you.

Spending time listening is important. Social skills should be taught at a very young age and manners are very important.

Taking them to places where there are lots of other children.

Make any excuse for a street party style event so that the local littluns can mingle (granted, that's a lot easier on a cul-de-sac!)

Wherever you are, whoever you see always be kind.

Encourage them to make new friends when out & about - at the park, the swimming pool, or in the library. Show them it's good to be interested in others - when they ask the question 'what's that little boy doing?' - encourage them to ask that little boy directly, strike up a conversation & maybe a new friendship! It's just the same for adults really - show an interest & find some common ground! Show children that it's nice to be nice, when you're friendly, you smile & show an interest in others - they will warm to you, & want to be your friend

sharing and listening are two very good starting points, our little Grandson mixes well with other children and hopefully this will continue.