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17 Ways Parents Can Help ADHD Children Make Friends

Children with ADHD sometimes struggle with social skills, and making friends can be tough. But parents can help! Learn how to guide your child through sticky social situations and make lasting friendships.

 
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Play Matchmaker

Find a mentor An ADHD child may be more likely to take advice or instruction from a 'big brother' or 'big sister' than from you. Ask the big sibling of one of your child's classmates if he will be an informal mentor to your child. Many schools understand the importance of mentors have programs to connect kids.

Follow the love. If your child is a Gameboy fiend, look for another video-game fans to potentially be his friend. A shared interest will help your child feel confident and engaged.

Start out with one-on-one play. One-on-one play dates usually work best for ADHD children. With threesomes, it's easy for your child to feel left out - or ganged up on.

Seek out younger playmates. Children with attention deficit tend to be more immature than their peers (and painfully aware of it). As your child is growing up it's often helpful if she develops friendships with children a year or two younger – this way, she won't feel left behind.

Next: Influence Positive Play

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