How can I help my 16-y-o to make new friends without me hovering?

[Mitzi]

My son had his three closest pals move interstate at the end of last year. These were all strong friendships of many years. He has acquaintances but feels a bit excluded and lonely. I've suggested:

• new hobby or team sport
• invite some of the acquaintances over to hang out.

Haven't seen any progress on those two. Anyone else have any tips?

[Sophie-RO · Accepted solution]

Hey @Mitzi I pulled up this info from the youth site that you might want to share with him? It's basically saying that knowing how to be a good friend is the first step in making friends, followed by thinking about the places you can go to meet new people.

Reassure him that just because he might be finding it hard to make new friends, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with him, however there are a couple of things he could do to come across as a great potential friend and improve the chances of finding some new mates:

Work on your self-awareness

Be patient instead of pushy

Don’t forget who you are

There is more info on all of these in the link above.

What are his interests? The info suggests looking in:

• Hobby/special interest groups
• Volunteering
• Parties

[readthemanual]

It's ok to feel lonely when friends moved away. Thanks to the internet and smart phone, friends can share their new life with us and we can share ours.

[Sophie-RO · Accepted solution]

Hey @Mitzi I pulled up this info from the youth site that you might want to share with him? It's basically saying that knowing how to be a good friend is the first step in making friends, followed by thinking about the places you can go to meet new people.

Reassure him that just because he might be finding it hard to make new friends, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with him, however there are a couple of things he could do to come across as a great potential friend and improve the chances of finding some new mates:

Work on your self-awareness

Be patient instead of pushy

Don’t forget who you are

There is more info on all of these in the link above.

What are his interests? The info suggests looking in:

• Hobby/special interest groups
• Volunteering
• Parties