Helping kids build friendships is key to their emotional and social well-being. As parents, we’re always looking for practical ways to help them create strong, healthy bonds. This article shares simple, fun activities to support friendship in children, whether at home or in everyday settings.
We know that teaching them to be good friends boosts their confidence and helps them feel secure when connecting with others. Here you’ll find clear, engaging ideas to strengthen their empathy, communication, and teamwork through play.
1. Story time and reflection 📖
As a parent, this activity gives you the chance to pause together, share thoughts, and guide them through the feelings that come with meeting someone new.
Reading Making New Friends lets kids explore how friendships begin and how others feel in social situations. It’s a calm way to reflect together and open up conversation about kindness and inclusion.
This activity teaches empathy and emotional awareness. Use a storybook or a read-aloud video to help your child connect with the characters and think about how to be a good friend.
"Making New Friends" on the Storybook app helped the García family when their son felt left out at school. After listening to the story, he finally opened up, and they talked it through together.
💛 One story made all the difference. Try it tonight on Storybook! 📖✨
2. The bracelet bond
Making friendship bracelets is a hands-on way for kids to show kindness and appreciation. They choose colors, focus on each knot, and then gift it to a friend, it’s simple but powerful.
As a parent, you’ll love how this quiet activity turns into something meaningful they’re proud to give.
This teaches generosity and thoughtfulness. It helps children understand that friendship is about giving, not just receiving.
You only need embroidery thread, scissors, and maybe some beads. Sit down with them, craft together, and talk about who they’re making it for and why.
3. The kindness chain reaction
The Compliment Chain is a fun way to spark positive vibes. Kids sit in a circle or pass notes, each sharing a genuine compliment with someone else. It starts small but quickly spreads smiles all around. As a parent, it's heartwarming to see them light up with activities to teach kids about respect, giving and receiving kindness.
This activity teaches the power of words and how small gestures build stronger friendships. It boosts confidence and helps kids notice good things in others. You just need paper, pens, or simply gather everyone in a circle: no prep, just connection.
4. Kindness jar 🫙
The Kindness Jar is a simple but powerful daily habit. Each time your child does something kind, write it down and drop it in the jar. You can also let them write notes for others, like thanking a sibling or helping a friend or use activities to teach kindness. Over time, the jar fills with little reminders of love.
This teaches consistency in kindness and helps kids see that small actions matter. It builds self-awareness and encourages a positive mindset. All you need is a jar, some paper, and markers. Read the notes together weekly to reflect and celebrate their efforts.
5. Role-playing scenarios 🎭
Acting out real-life situations helps kids practice how to respond in tricky friendship moments—like someone feeling left out or sharing toys. As a parent, you can guide them through possible reactions and show them how empathy and patience play a role with social skills games for children.
This activity teaches problem-solving and emotional intelligence. It prepares kids to face social challenges with confidence. Use dolls, action figures, or just your voices, it’s fun and meaningful. Keep it light so they stay engaged while learning through play.
6. Compliment ball toss 🏐
In this active game, kids toss a soft ball to one another, and each time someone catches it, the thrower gives them a compliment. It keeps everyone moving and smiling, and it’s a great way to mix fun with emotional growth.
This teaches kids to observe and appreciate others. It strengthens communication and builds confidence in a playful setting. You just need a lightweight ball and a little space, it´s perfect for indoors or outside.
7. Friendship bingo
Friendship Bingo gets kids talking and learning about each other. They walk around with a bingo sheet filled with prompts like “has a pet” or “likes to draw” and ask classmates who fits each one. They write down the person’s name and try to fill five boxes in a row.
This teaches curiosity, active listening, and respect for differences. It encourages social interaction and helps shy kids find common ground. Just print a simple bingo template and give them pencils, watch connections form naturally as they play.
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8. Friendship mural or collage
Creating a group mural or collage gives kids a chance to express what friendship means to them.
Each child adds drawings, words, or cutouts that represent kindness, teamwork, or fun times with friends. Together, they build one big visual story.
This teaches collaboration and respect for others’ ideas.
It helps them feel part of a team and proud of a shared goal. Use paper, magazines, glue, and crayons, whatever you have at home or in class. Display the final piece to remind them how friendship looks in action.
9. “Friendship walk” game 🚶♂️💬
In this paired activity, kids walk together while answering simple prompts like “What’s your favorite game?” or “What makes a good friend?” It’s a calm, focused way for them to bond without distractions.
This teaches communication skills and helps children open up. It encourages deeper connections beyond small talk. No supplies needed, just space to walk and a few guiding questions. It's a perfect reset during the day that brings kids closer.
10. Tower team-up
Kids are grouped into teams and challenged to build the tallest, most creative tower using everyday items—blocks, cups, or cardboard. The twist? No one wins alone. Success depends on teamwork and listening to each other’s ideas.
This teaches cooperation, patience, and shared decision-making. It shifts focus from competition to connection. All you need are building materials and a timer. Celebrate all towers, especially the teamwork behind them.
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Written By
Entrepreneur mum. I created Storybook: Bedtime Stories the #1 app in over 90 countries. I have been able to help families with the app and through my social media influence. I also created a Facebook group with over 12,000 moms where we support each other.
Medically Reviewed by:
Francisco Cornejo, a dynamic entrepreneur with a Masters in Communication from RMIT University in Australia, is the Co-Founder and CEO of Storybook. As a serial entrepreneur, he notably served as the Chief Marketing Officer at Honda Motors in Latin America, shaping the brand's regional presence. Passionate about family well-being and communication, Francisco leads Storybook in its mission to improve children's health globally, aiming to create positive impacts in both corporate and societal spheres.
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