You can even help set up a community group in your neighborhood. [1] X Research source Parents and adults can help out, too. The neighborhood group can host block parties, start a community garden, volunteer for good causes, etc. It’s a great way to make new friends! A smile can go a long way when you’re trying to meet people in your neighborhood!
Sports (not based at school—try a local recreation center or YMCA) Religious groups Community organizations (animal shelters, community gardens, neighborhood watch, etc. )
4-H Scouts A club based on a hobby (gardening, knitting, chess, programming, etc. )[3] X Research source Music A music group (a community orchestra, choral group, choir, or band) An art club A book club
There are lots of different kinds of camps, ranging from ones that feature on outdoor activities, to ones focused on religious groups, to ones that foster academic enrichment. If you’re interested in signing up for a camp, ask your parents for permission and help.
Never give out personal information to someone you just met online. Report any suspicious activity to your parents or a trusted adult. If you feel uncomfortable, harassed, bullied, or endangered by what anyone says or does to you online, let your parents or a trusted adult know about it.
Offer a compliment, like “Hey, I really like that shirt!” Ask lots of questions. This gives you and the other person something to say, and keeps the conversation moving. For instance, if you like a person’s shirt, you could follow up by asking “Where’d you get it?” Listen carefully and respond to what the person says, so that you form connections. For instance, if someone tells you “I got this shirt at the mall—I shop there all the time” you could respond with something like “Me too! What are your favorite stores?” It’s ok to keep initial conversations short so you don’t ramble, but if you seem to be hitting it off with a new person, let things flow.
Regular, scheduled contact is the best way to form and maintain friendships. If you’re making friends with someone outside of school, make sure the two of you can spend some time together in the afternoons, evenings, or weekends.
Provide a safe space for your friends to come and seek advice. Their problems might be different from your own, but learning from other people is part of building friendships! If a friend wants to or needs to talk and you can’t, say that you will get in touch later—and follow up. If you ever have to bail on a friend, apologize sincerely and take the initiative to set something else up.
Going to the movies Watching a sporting event Visiting the zoo, a museum, etc. Playing a game
Parents shouldn’t be in charge of your friendships, but they can help by connecting you to children of their friends. [12] X Research source
