Helping Your Child Make Friends in Preschool 

Preschool is such a big, exciting step. Suddenly your little one is surrounded by other kids, and for the first time, friendships become a real part of their day. Some kids jump right in, chatting and playing like pros. Others hang back a bit, just watching, not quite sure how to join in. Both are totally normal. As parents, we want our kids to feel connected and happy at school. That usually means helping them build a few good friendships. But friendship isn’t just about fun. It also helps children learn how to take turns, share, solve problems, and talk through their feelings. These are skills they’ll use their whole lives. 

Here’s something really interesting. A long-term study found that kids who had strong social-emotional skills in early childhood were twice as likely to earn a college degree and hold a full-time job by age 25. You can check that out here. That’s a big deal. So let’s talk about how to help your toddler make friends in ways that feel natural and fun for both you and your child. 

How to Build Social Skills Through Everyday Play 

The best way to help toddlers and preschoolers build social skills is through play. Pretend play is one of the easiest ways to get kids talking and interacting. Set up a little “grocery store,” “animal hospital,” or “ice cream stand” at home. If they’re playing with you or a sibling, they get to practice taking turns, talking things through, and using their imagination. These kinds of games mirror what happens in a preschool classroom. 

Playdates can be helpful too, especially when kept short and simple. One friend, one fun activity, and a familiar place is often the sweet spot. The idea here is to promote activities to encourage social interaction without too much pressure. If they play side by side at first, that’s still a win. Even just narrating what you see in social situations can help. At the park, you might say, “Wow, those kids are building together. Do you want to ask if you can help?” You’re giving your child the words they might need when they’re ready to speak up. 

What to Do if Your Preschooler Is Shy 

If your child tends to hang back when it’s time to join a group, you’re definitely not alone. Roughly 15 to 20% of toddlers are considered shy or slow to warm up. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong. It just means they need a little more time and a little more support. Here are a few gentle tips for shy preschoolers.  

You can start by practicing some friendly phrases at home. Try role-playing what to say if they want to join a game or start a conversation. “Can I play with you?” and “Do you want to build together?” are great phrases to practice. 

Books can help too. One that really resonates with shy kiddos is The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig. It’s about a quiet child who starts to come out of his shell when a classmate reaches out. It’s a gentle story that can open the door for good conversations about kindness and inclusion.  

Also, check in with your child’s teacher. They can help pair your child with a buddy or find ways to ease them into group play. Teachers are so good at spotting little moments when a child is ready to connect. 

Let Friendships Grow Naturally Through Play 

Most preschool friendships start with something simple like building a block tower, painting side by side, or teaming up for a silly game. These moments might seem small, but they’re full of important learning. Kids are figuring out how to take turns, solve problems together, and understand how others feel. To help your child build friendships, look for ways to encourage group play. At home, games like “Simon Says,” “Duck Duck Goose,” or even “Ring Around the Rosie” are great for practicing social skills. Big art projects, sensory bins, or even baking together with a friend give kids the chance to work together, share materials, and celebrate what they’ve made side by side. All of these are playful activities to encourage social interaction and teamwork. 

As your child’s friendships grow, it’s also helpful to model being a good friend yourself. Try to be open to playdates and flexible when it comes to sharing toys or letting a friend pick the game. Over time, learning how to be accommodating to friends is a skill that will serve your child well, even beyond preschool. 

And don’t forget that friendships aren’t just for kids. Try connecting with other parents, even in small ways like chatting at pick-up or setting up a group outing to the park. When grown-ups build community too, it helps kids feel even more supported and included. Sometimes it’s just about giving kids time and space. When children play freely with each other, magic happens. Friendships don’t need to be forced. They just need room to grow. 

A Place Where Friendships and Learning Go Hand in Hand 

At Creative World School, we understand how important friendships are. That’s why our classrooms are set up to make connection easy and natural. From the moment children arrive, they’re invited into hands-on, interactive play that encourages cooperation and communication. 

We also know that every child is different. Some are bold and chatty, others are quieter and like to observe first. That’s okay. Our teachers are tuned in and ready to support each child’s social journey, no matter where they’re starting from. If you’re looking for a preschool that nurtures not just academics but friendships and emotional growth too, we’d love to meet you. Schedule a tour at a Creative World School near you and come see how we help children grow together.