Many kids right now are struggling to find where they fit. Maybe they started a new school or new classroom. Maybe the social scene has changed with the addition of a new kid to the grade.

Whatever it is, some kids are unsure of how to find their place.

What can you do if this is your child? I am so glad you asked.

1. Talk to them. Ask them to share about their day. Who they ate lunch with. Who they played with at recess or hung out with at break. Understand what their social landscape looks like.
2. Help them gain another view of the social scene. Listen for who might be a good fit for them and point it out.
3. Empower them by pointing out their strengths.
4. Dialogue about how to make new friends or get closer with others. Give them language to try on.
5. Normalize that many kids are struggling with the same issue. Even though kids may look to be a part of a group doesn’t mean they actually feel it or want to be a part of it. They may be open to making a new friend, but may hang with an unfit group because they don’t see any alternative.
6. Limit your judgement about your kid or someone else’s. Parents can get awfully triggered by social dynamics and start to point fingers and put kids down. Be sure to understand what is your own stuff getting kicked up. Try to remain in a supportive place for your kid and get out of the judgement zone.