Conversely, children tend to encounter social rejection when they are perceived to be dissimilar from their peers. Family Problems Family problems can have damaging effects on children's peer relations. For example, children of divorcing parents may act out feelings of anger at school, eliciting rejection from peers in the process. Children with family problems, such as parental alcoholism, may be reluctant to bring friends home, avoiding close friendships as a result. Even if children overcome the circumstances that originally led them to experience peer problems, a reputation as a social outcast is extremely difficult to change.
Children require help from adults if they are to overcome serious peer relationship problems.
The most successful helping strategies are matched to the specific needs of the children involved. Social Skills Training Children whose behavior leads to social rejection often need to learn new interpersonal skills. Similarly, children should be given school support for dealing with family problems, when possible, to minimize potential adverse effects on the children's peer relations. Nonthreatening Social Experiences Large groups can be threatening to children who lack self-confidence. Shy children may therefore benefit from opportunities to interact with peers in small groups.