How can I help my child make friends while being home schooled? 

Parenting Perspective 

Utilising Your Community and Creating Your Own 

When your child is learning at home, friendships often need more care and planning, they do not always happen by chance as they might in a school playground. Start by looking inward: does your local Masjid offer children’s activities, youth events, or family groups? These spaces give your child the chance to meet others who share the same values and practices. If options feel limited, try creating your own small community, invite two or three like-minded families for a picnic, a nature walk, or an Islamic story afternoon. Keep it simple and relaxed so children feel safe to open up and connect naturally. 

Joining Clubs and Practising Social Skills 

Encourage your child to join local sports teams or creative clubs that reflect your family’s values. Practise social skills at home too, role play greetings, sharing, and taking turns, so your child feels confident when meeting others. Celebrate small social successes, like being the first to say salaam or inviting another child to join a game. 

Quality Over Quantity 

Most importantly, remind your child that they do not need lots of friends to feel happy and secure. A few kind and loyal companions can help build trust, empathy, and self-confidence over time. By nurturing friendships with care and intention, you help your child see that meaningful connections come from shared respect and warmth, InshaAllah. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that true companionship shapes not just our manners but our entire character. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqan (25), Verses 27–28: 

‘The Day when the wrongdoer will bite on his hands [in regret] he will say, “Oh, I wish I had taken with the Messenger a way. Woe to me! I wish I had not taken that one as a friend.” ‘

This Ayah powerfully shows how friends can steer us towards goodness or lead us astray. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2378, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘A person is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends. ‘

Share this wisdom with your child in a calm, age-appropriate way. Talk about what makes a good friend: truthfulness, patience, and encouragement in doing good deeds. Make Dua that Allah Almighty blesses your child with friends who remind them of their faith and inspire them to be kind and fair. Model these qualities yourself, show your child how to resolve conflicts gently, forgive mistakes, and include others. When you guide your child to see friendship as an act of trust and love for Allah Almighty, each bond they form becomes a means of Sabr, hope, and protection. Even if their circle stays small, it will be strong, rooted in mercy and companionship that pleases Allah Almighty and supports your child’s confidence both now and for years ahead.