How can I help my child make friends? 

Parenting Perspective 

Honour Their Comfort Zone 

Making friends does not come easily to every child, especially if they are shy, anxious, or have additional needs. The journey begins with observing how your child naturally connects with others. Do they prefer quiet, one-on-one play or the energy of small groups? It is important to support their natural comfort zone rather than pushing them into overwhelming social settings. 

Practise and Prepare 

You can practise social skills at home through gentle role-play. You could pretend you are another child and act out how to say ‘Hello’, ask to join a game, or navigate sharing. Praise small acts of courage with specific words: ‘I saw how you smiled at that child in the park; that was very brave.’ Look for gentle opportunities for them to meet children with similar interests. Playgroups, hobby clubs, or faith-based gatherings can offer calm, familiar settings where your child can find like-minded friends. 

Model Good Friendship 

Model the qualities of a good friend in your own life. Let your child see you greet neighbours warmly, help friends in need, or make Dua for someone who is unwell. This demonstrates that friendship is built on kindness, sharing, and trust. If your child struggles with rejection or social awkwardness, gently remind them that true friendship takes time and that they do not need to become close to everyone they meet. 

Keep Expectations Realistic 

Finally, it is vital to keep your expectations realistic. One or two sincere, healthy friendships are far more valuable than many shallow ones. Celebrate every small step of progress, a smile, a wave, an introduction, so your child feels confident to continue trying. 

Spiritual Insight 

Friendship is part of our human fitrah and is highly valued in Islam. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujurat (49), Verse 10: 

‘The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers… ‘

This Ayah reminds us that healthy, caring relationships are a source of profound support and mercy. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the best of friends, nurturing his bonds through unwavering trust, loyalty, and compassion. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 13, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.

This Hadith Shareef teaches that true friendship is rooted in sincerity and excellent character. 

Help your child make a small Dua when they feel shy: ‘O Allah Almighty, grant me good friends who bring me closer to You.’ Remind them that good friendships are built on kindness, honesty, and patience, not on popularity. Even if they face awkward moments, their sincere effort to connect with others is rewarded by Allah Almighty. 

With your warm guidance, positive role-modelling, and trust in Allah Almighty, your child will learn that true friends are a blessing, and that building these bonds is a beautiful part of growing in faith and character.