Hi Froddles,
Depending on the age of the child or children,
- Join a playgroup in the local area
- Sign the child up for an activity where parents will chat like dance, gymnastics, soccer or other team sports
- Volunteer at the school where she will work with other Mum's
- Go to local busy parks and play areas and try and chat to the Mum's. A good opener is "So how old is your child?"
- Go along to school P&C
- Start a book club and invite some of the Mum's she has already met. I did this myself when there were existing groups that I wasn't included in. I was surprised by how many were keen to come
- Invite some of the Mum's over for a cuppa rather than waiting for an invitation from them
- Join a team sport herself like ladies soccer or netball
- Look up "meeting place" on the internet. They have groups for different activities for like minded people for eg movies or social clubbing etc
- Look at volunteer work in the local area that may open up friendship opportunities. This can also include Neighbourhood watch etc.
- If she has a dog, go to local dog parks where you might meet people. Opening line is to ask about the other person's dog.
- If hubby has made friends invite them and their wives over for a bbq
- If child is school age, organise a holiday catchup by sending a note home to all the kids via the teacher with details of a byo picnic at a local park
Other things that can affect forming friendships is self esteem and negativity. If you can help your daughter feel better about herself that will go a long way.
If possible coach her to not say negative things about herself when meeting people. People with self esteem issues often run themselves down to others (I am not good at anything really, I am always left out, I was always picked on at school), it is better to consider conversation like I would really like to travel one day, where have you been? I haven't been to the movies lately, have you seen that new movie xyz? You haven't, maybe we could go sometime, I don't know many people here. Perhaps you'd like to come over for a coffee some time? Prepare some things to start open conversations and try and secure a follow up catch up.
If possible help her feel good about her appearance, nice haircut, manicured nails, new outfit. Feeling good about appearance can sometimes boost self esteem.
I hope some of this helps. Let me know if you have any questions about my suggestions, happy to help.
Kind thoughts,
Carol
