2.2. Explain how to support children or young people to make new relationships

This guide will help you answer 2.2. Explain how to support children or young people to make new relationships.

Building relationships is a fundamental part of a child or young person’s development. Social interaction shapes their ability to communicate, form bonds, and build confidence. Starting a relationship can be daunting for children and young people, especially when they’re in a new environment. Your role is to guide and provide support so they feel comfortable and develop social skills to connect with others.

Relationships contribute to emotional well-being. They give children and young people a sense of belonging and trust. Positive connections can improve mental health, boost self-esteem, and help them understand empathy. These connections become essential as they provide the foundation for future interactions in adulthood.

Barriers to Building Relationships

Before helping children or young people form relationships, you must understand potential challenges they could face. These may include:

• Shyness or Anxiety: Fear of rejection or meeting new people can hold them back.
• Language Barriers: If a child does not speak the same language, communication may feel impossible.
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND): Certain conditions like autism can make social interaction difficult.
• Cultural Differences: They may feel different because of traditions, clothing, or religious practices.
• Past Trauma: Experiences like a family breakdown or bullying might make them wary of trusting others.

Identifying these barriers early and working on them is key to helping children find success in building relationships.

Creating a Safe and Welcoming Environment

Children and young people need a safe space to feel emotionally secure. A secure environment builds their confidence to reach out socially. You can create this setting by:

• Encouraging inclusivity so that no child or young person feels left out.
• Setting an example by being polite, approachable, and respectful.
• Teaching ground rules about kindness, respect, and listening to others.
• Using positive reinforcement by praising attempts to connect or making a new friend.

Classrooms, youth clubs, and home settings all benefit from an atmosphere where children feel accepted.

Supporting Communication Skills

Some children and young people need help to express themselves. Developing their communication skills can boost their confidence in making friends. Strategies to support communication include:

1. Role Modelling: Show ways to introduce oneself or talk to peers. You can act it out or demonstrate.
2. Games and Activities: Group games like ‘Pass the Ball’ or collaborative puzzles encourage natural interaction.
3. Social Stories: Develop short, relatable stories that show how to interact in specific situations, like asking to join a game.
4. Active Listening: Show them the importance of listening by practising it with them during conversations.
5. Practice Scenarios: Practise simple phrases, like “Hello, can I play with you?” or “What’s your name?”

Providing consistent practice opportunities allows them to build confidence over time.

Organising Group Activities

Planned group activities encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and fun. These activities help children or young people bond. Ideas for group activities include:

• Sports or Free Play: Football, tag, or skipping games are simple options that help children connect through shared fun.
• Art and Crafts: Working on creative projects in pairs or groups creates conversation opportunities.
• Story Time: Encourage children to share their own stories or collaborate on group storytelling.
• Team Challenges: Set up obstacle courses, treasure hunts, or other challenges that require teamwork.

By participating in such activities, children learn to cooperate and build positive relationships with peers.

Encouraging Peer Support

Peer support can be a helpful tool, especially for children finding it hard to connect. Pairing them with a peer or buddy offers reassurance and encouragement. Steps for implementing peer support include:

• Choosing a confident and empathetic child who is willing to assist.
• Explaining their role, such as helping a shy classmate join playtime or answering their questions.
• Checking in regularly to see how both children are getting on.

This type of strategy promotes compassion and teaches children the value of helping each other.

Encouraging Empathy and Understanding

Good relationships thrive on empathy. Teaching children to consider how others feel helps their social interactions. Activities to promote empathy include:

• Emotion Games: Ask children to match emotions with facial expressions, such as recognising sadness or happiness.
• Group Discussions: Talk about how actions might affect others, for example, how sharing toys makes everyone feel included.
• Reading Stories: Use books to show different perspectives, helping children understand emotions and situations.

Developing empathy early prepares them for stronger and more meaningful relationships.

Celebrating Differences

Every child and young person has unique experiences and personalities. Teach them to respect these differences and value each other. Celebrate differences by:

• Marking special occasions like cultural festivals or international days in schools and settings.
• Encouraging discussions about hobbies or interests to help children bond over shared interests or learn about new ones.
• Educating children about diversity and inclusion through books, videos, or activities.

Respect for individuality strengthens bonds and helps children relate to a wide range of people.

Building Confidence Through Small Steps

For shy or anxious children, taking small steps helps them feel less overwhelmed. Offer simple opportunities to engage, such as:

• Inviting them to sit next to someone during a meal or circle time.
• Praising their efforts when they try to talk to someone new.
• Creating moments where they can share, like a show-and-tell activity or group discussion.

These small milestones act as building blocks, making larger social challenges less intimidating.

Positive Reinforcement

Acknowledging progress encourages children to keep engaging socially. Offer praise in ways that motivate them without embarrassing them. For example:

• Saying, “You did such a kind thing by including your friend in the game today!”
• Giving a small reward, like a sticker, for acts of kindness or bravery when trying to socialise.

Positive feedback builds confidence and reinforces healthy behaviour patterns.

Supporting Children with Special Needs

Children with SEND may need additional support to form relationships. Strategies include:

• Teaching social skills explicitly, such as turn-taking or maintaining eye contact if possible.
• Using visual aids, like emotion cards, to help them understand feelings and responses.
• Working with additional professionals, such as speech and language therapists, where needed.

Patience and consistent support can help these children achieve great social milestones.

Communicating with Families

Parents and carers play a key role in guiding their children’s social interactions. Working together ensures consistency. Communicate openly by:

• Sharing progress and strategies used in group settings.
• Providing tips families can use at home, like setting up playdates.
• Discussing concerns, if any, such as the child struggling with rejection or making friends.

A united approach between home and childcare settings creates stronger growth opportunities.

Recognising When Further Support is Needed

If a child continually struggles to make relationships despite support, other factors may be at play. Watch for signs of underlying issues, like persistent anxiety, isolation, or signs of bullying. Where necessary:

• Speak to the child and listen to their feelings without judgement.
• Liaise with SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Coordinators), social workers, or other professionals.
• Engage parents or carers and suggest seeking specialist advice if needed.

Early intervention can prevent further emotional distress and offer targeted help.

Final Thoughts

Helping children form relationships is a rewarding part of your role. Each effort you make builds their self-esteem and ability to connect with others. By taking small, practical steps and creating opportunities, you provide a foundation for skills that will benefit them for life. Keep an open mind, assess every child’s individual needs, and support them with patience and encouragement. Thank you for the work you do—your support truly shapes children’s social development!