When you're a parent, your kids' social life is basically your social life, too. It's also easy to get caught up in the idea that they're going out into a world that's full of strangers, and that they'll have to fend for themselves. You may want to be there for them when it comes to making friends at school. There are so many ways you can help them get the support and guidance they need. Here are a few tips on how to help your kids make friends at school:

Encourage them to try new things

First, ask yourself what your child's personality is like. Is she introverted or extroverted? What things does she enjoy doing? Does she have a lot of interests? Is she the type of person who likes to hang out with the same group of people all the time? Or does she prefer to meet new people and try new things?

Next, think about how you can help your child find other kids who are like her. If your kid has lots of interests and loves trying new things, find out if any clubs or groups meet during lunchtime that you could sign up for. If your kid doesn't seem interested in any extra-curricular activities, maybe you can join an adult sports league together so that he gets a chance to meet other adults who share his interests—and maybe they'll be able to introduce him to some kids who will become friends.

It's important for kids to try new things so they can discover what makes them happy and confident—and sometimes that means trying something that seems weird or silly at first glance but might end up being something they love! If your child is interested in something new (like learning how to play chess), encourage them to give it a shot.

Try not to hover

Kids need space and independence so they can grow into their own people. This means that when they're trying out new activities or hanging out with new people, let them figure out how they feel about those things themselves. 

Encourage them to talk about their day (and listen)

You can ask your children how their day went when they come home from school. They'll probably be too tired or distracted to answer fully at first, but if you keep asking questions and listening closely, eventually they'll open up about their experiences with other students or teachers. 

Cheer them up after school

If your kids come home from school and tell you about something awesome they did that day, say something positive to cheer them up Sometimes, just knowing someone is proud of them can be all the boost they need to keep going and try again next time.

Summary

Remember that making friends is a skill. Just like math or reading or any other skill, it's something that needs practice—and your kid is going to need your help with this one. So let them know that you're there for them if they need anything, Moreover, keep in mind that sometimes adults don't always understand what's going on in the mind of kids. Also, remember that while they might want advice from you sometimes, they also want space and privacy when it comes to their friendships. If you see them hanging out with someone new and wish you could know more about them (like where did they meet?), then just ask. They'll probably be happy to share.