With early teens, friendships deepen as teenagers begin to understand the importance of intimacy and loyalty. The culture of your child's school might be the problem. If the majority of students don't share your family's values or moral standards, your child will find it difficult to develop positive relationships. It's possible to survive in this environment, McEwan says, but it takes a thick skin and a lot of support from home. If this is the cause of your child's lack of friends, you might consider home schooling or enrolling him in another school.
Kids can be cruel toward one another.
Be realistic about the social impact of your child's appearance and consider how orthodontists, dermatologists or orthopedists might help. Personal Behavior McEwan says a child's behavior is the primary source of social problems. If your child is the class bully, is overly sensitive or too competitive, or does things that offend others, he will be shunned or ridiculed. If your child doesn't know how to respond appropriately or hasn't had enough practice with social skills, you can help. Teach self-control by effectively controlling, but not stifling, your own emotions.