Long says by the time a child starts school, he or she should have one close friend. Reluctant kids may need subtle encouragement. Look for the best in your child's friends. As children mature, continue to supervise their play with friends from a distance. If your child has no friends, they may need some guidance how to make friends.
Severe anxiety needs professional attention.
The ability to make friends is an important developmental skill that is difficult for some kids. If your child is having a hard time making friends, it may be because he or she is using friendship making techniques that worked when they were younger but no longer apply. Take an inventory of your child's friendships using the following guidelines. Kids begin to branch out. Friendship begins to take on the form of an agreement between playmates.