New School Year, New Friends

One thing's for sure: When it comes to kids' self-esteem, friendships matter. It isn't important whether your child has a dozen friends or one treasured best friend.

One is all it takes to boost a child's self-esteem, to feel well liked. Some kids have a knack for attracting and keeping friends. But others are on the shy side and may need a little help meeting potential pals and breaking the ice. That's where you come in. Work on helping your child build social skills -- from starting conversations to solving conflicts. Get started with the tactics below.

Come up with conversation starters. If your child wants to get to know a certain schoolmate but doesn't know how to go about it, suggest things the two could work on together -- maybe a tricky math assignment or class art project.

Find meeting places. Look for local activities your child would enjoy, such as a firehouse cookout or a street fair. Go with your child, and introduce yourself -- and her -- to other families there.

Volunteer together. If your kid is an animal lover, check out opportunities to help out at the local shelter; your child may make a new friend while filling water dishes. Over the holidays, stock shelves at the neighborhood food pantry.

Make a date. To turn acquaintances into friends, suggest a pizza dinner and videos at your home. You can call the parents first to work out a time, and then your child can e-mail or phone the friend-to-be.