Win a Mini Microscooter plus a bundle of Alfie books

My only grandchild(so far) is 3 weeks old so I am going to go by what my mum used to do for me - I had lots of different dolls, teddies, soft toys etc - and at night we used to set them all out on the bed, - ( they all had names which some I can remember) . Mum and I used to kiss them 'my friends' and say good night to each one individually after I had had my story. They would be there all night - I think it was my mum teaching me that friends are there for you if you need them. I will be doing it for Cameron when the time comes

I encourage them to look outside people their own age.

Not all their 'friends' are their own age. My daughters next door neighbours , in their 80's , would be delighted to know my 7 yr old grandson and 9 year old Grandaughter consider them to be friends .

If asked why the reasons are as diverse as Mr X can fix things, Mrs X makes the best cookies and their dog is my friend .

Cross generational friendships are as important as playground friendships.

To be confident and actively ask other kids to play - be a leader!

We love taking them outdoors

Children need to learn to share

Children need to learn to share with others

Children learn behaviour from the adult roll models and they soak everything up like little sponges. If we are friendly and outgoing and positive about people we meet (no swearing at other drivers in the car!!) and as others have said explain to children about taking turns and sharing, read books to them about children's adventures and friendships, and engage them in discussion about what you're reading. If they tend to be shy give them opportunities to mix with other children in an environment where they feel confident and supported.

Be a child with them, get down on all fours, go on the swings, play footie , play hide and seek, have other kids round , accept all and be friendly, talk to other people in the park, the bus, the street Have fun

Take them to various places and groups,such as story time at the library.Encourage them to speak to people such as saying thank you to the bus driver or person serving you in a shop

Children can be cruel to one another, my grandaughter often comes home in tears from school because she has been ousted by the in girls at her school. I remember going through the same at school many years ago, it's petty playground stuff really but when your the one being pushed away it hurts. I always try to encourage her to seek out other girls who may be in similar situations with peer groups. She has a soft nature, a caring attitude, pretty sencitive, also an only child for 10 years, until recently when she became big sister to twin girls. Socially she wasn't involved with any groups until recently either( somthing that made me sad as I always felt it important especially as she was on her own so much ) the important thing for me to let her know she is wonderful, she is funny, she is bright, artistic, fun, helpful, genuine, kind, very kind. These are great attributes, I try to give her courage when it comes to approaching other children, that not all kids are going to treat her badly. When a child feels confident about themselves as a human being, it's easier for them to communicate with others. I love seeing my grandaughter interacting with other kids, she is not the pushy kind, and is generous when it comes to sharing things, she is not a taker, but a giver. I must say I have to persuade her to keep the pocket money I give her, because she has in the past poked it back in my purse, so I am teaching her it's ok to accept things people give you, because it gives them pleasure to see you happy. I wouldn't change her for the world. I belive one day she will do great good with the kind nature she has and will be one of life's earth Angels. We have had some fantastic outings over the years, we have shared many books, songs, cuddles cake making, I have taken her horse riding, swimming, theatre, and much more besides and always, always encourage her to be herself, rather to change to fit in. The right friends will come along ( and they have ) She is now actively involved in after school groups and she has some smashing friends. X

Lead by example: an open, friendly, sociable grandparent (or parent!) encourages the same behaviour in a child. Back up with stories & books about sharing & you're grandchild/child is the kind of person other children want to be around.

Encourage them to share and take turns in playgrounds can help to make friends

Take them to playgroups from an early age encourage them to enjoy social interaction make a point of introducing any new members to the group. Arrange play dates from an early age. At bedtime always recap the days events and the fun had with friends. Choose bedtime stories which include fun times with friends

We took our DGS to lots of playgroups and events at the library. He never wanted to join in group activities but always observed what was going on. We never pushed him to join in and by the time he went to preschool he joined in. At school his best friend is now someone who didn't talk at first and no one talked to him.

Take them to soft play areas and toddler groups, children will always do what comes naturally in these situations and that is usually join in with whatever other children are doing. Introducing children to social situations when they are young encourages them not to be shy

Showing your little ones your friendly way with people will encourage them to be friendly too. Taking them to groups where they can meet other children of the same age helps too. Invite some children with their parents/ careers to your house for play dates helps too. Never force a friendship . Talk about their friends with them and show an interest.

Taking them to various activities in the park or the library so that they can interact with others from a young age. Reading stories which show the positive side of having a friend.

Encourage them in what they are doing. Be there for them. Their friends can come and play with them(toys). Take them to parks where they can explore, gather and make/build things together. Be sociable, share and be happy. Respect and help, listen too. X

My own Mum was an amazing example of how to make friends and modelled this for us well into her old age. Wherever she was she had a friendly smile for anyone and always began with a simple greeting to judge whether the other person appeared to want to say more. She kept in touch with old friends throughout her life and continued to make new friends. Her adage was always, 'If you want to make a friend you need to be a friend to others.' When growing up, money was tight but she used to take a few cakes to neighbours when she'd been doing some baking, take washing or ironing off people who were going through a tough time or just drop everything to go and help anyone in need. A true friend. I hope that I have modelled the same with my own children and grandchildren and helped them to be open and pleasant when in the company of others whether they are their peers or in multi-generational settings. Go along with your grandchildren to parent & toddler or other groups from an early age and model how you make friends and soon they'll be joining in and having fun without even thinking about it. When you notice that they are developing a friendship with another child then that's the time to organise doing things with the other families and sharing playdates.

Join local leisure or dance groups, my granddaughter has made a lot of friends by doing things together ie dance, gymnastics

Take them out to places where children will be..the park is always good. Encourage them to talk to other children.

Trying to show and teach them how to be kind

A smile to greet others, a chat, caring & sharing a kindness.

Lead by example starting when they are little. Join in at groups have friends with same age children round go to parks ,libraries, play centre and groups to get them used to sharing and playing by and with others in a friendly atmosphere where you don't have to force friendship..

I am fortunate that one of my grandaughters lives only an hour and a half's car journey away so my husband and I have had her to stay regularly since she was a baby.
She is a gregarious little girl but only once she feels comfortable in a given social situation. She is not shy but is quite self-conscious and becomes embarrassed easily.
I have always tried to involve her in children's activities locally, as well as spending time with friends who have grandchildren of a similar age, but usually prepare her by sharing a little snippet of information that I hope will enthuse and reassure her. E.g 'Isabella enjoys art activities too' or 'Can you help me make a lovely picnic that we can share with Charlie?'
Once we are in a situation, I take my cue from how she is feeling, while gently encouraging her to begin taking part by playing alongside another child.
It is such a joy when I can see that she is making friends and I then enjoy the opportunity of having a cuppa and chat with others.