Making friends is not a magic trick. It is something people learn, and it gets easier with practice. Making a friend takes time together. You cannot make one in an instant.

Friends are people you have fun with, and close friends help you feel that you belong.

Some kids play with lots of others, some have one or two playmates, and some play on their own. All of these are common. Most kids need only one or two good friends, not a crowd.

A good start is to say hello, smile and be friendly. You can ask someone if you can sit with them or play with them.

Before joining a game, it helps to watch for a moment what the other kids are doing. Then ask to join in. If the answer is no, that is okay, because you can find something else to do and there will be other chances.

A shared interest makes talk easy. There is more to say. Asking what they like to do keeps a talk going.

Playing with just one or two others in a place that feels comfortable, such as at home, is an easy way to start.

Friendship is a lot about learning to cooperate. Good friends take turns, share and listen to each other.

A good friend is a kind person. Kind matters even more than liking the same things. A good friend can also cheer you up when you feel sad.

Friends sometimes disagree or get angry with each other, but talking about feelings helps. A grown-up you trust can help with friends.

Words to know

• practice: trying again
• cooperate: team up
• belong: fit in