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How to make your shy homeschooler make friends?

Meeting likeminded friends when they are being homeschooled is not as easy as it is in public schools. However, if the child is willing to step outside of the comfort zone and meet new people it becomes effortless. Here are a few things that will help a homeschooling teen make friends. 

  1. Encourage your children to start a conversation: it may seem uncomfortable but challenge your children to begin a conversation with two new people every day. This may seem a little awkward in the beginning, but as they start to get into the habit, they will start gaining more confidence. If they have a hard time thinking of things instantly to talk about, they can think of some questions beforehand. Once they learn how to initiate a conversation, they will feel more confident.
  2. If they’ve joined a new group or activity ask them to greet acquaintances every time, they see them. It is polite to say “hi” or have a friendly conversation. Relationships, particularly new ones, require a lot of nourishment and encouragement.
  3. Use affirmations. Affirmations are declaration of truth as you believe it to be. It’s a positive declaration that mirrors how you wish to think about a situation, yourself, or a desired outcome. For instance, motivate them to tell themselves “I am easygoing and likeable.” “I make friends easily.” and “I am a lot of fun to be around.” Ask them to practice the affirmations regularly until they start believing them.
  4. Patience. Ask your child to not feel pressured or rushed into friendships, only to establish normalcy. By taking the right amount of time and investing in good quality friendships they are the ones who will benefit in the end.
  5. Walk with head held high. There will be days when your children will feel a lot better when compared to other days, so make sure they cut themselves a little slack. They may not get along with everyone they meet, but the very next day they may find someone who is interesting.
  6. Get busy. The best way for your students to meet people of their age is to join extracurricular activities, such as, a club, sports, or group functions. Look for an activity that they can have fun in and enjoy. This will ensure they will already have a common interest with the people who are in the same group as they!
Take out time to celebrate your children’s victories. Never devalue the effort and time they are investing into meeting new people. Give them a pat on the back for the hard work, they have earned it!
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