How to Make Friends as a 7 Year Old

Kids 8–12 · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Does a 7-Year-Old Need Before Making Friends?

Before a child begins making friends, they need some basic social tools and a comfortable mindset. Kids at age seven are often gaining more independence and starting to understand others’ feelings better, but they still need guidance. It’s helpful to start with simple skills like saying “hello,” smiling, and making eye contact. For example, parents or teachers can practice with the child by role-playing a friendly introduction: “Hi, I’m [name]. What’s your name?” This makes the words easier to remember and less scary to say in real life.

Children also need to understand sharing and taking turns. You can explain sharing like this: “When you share a toy, you let someone else play with it because you want to be kind, and then they might share with you too.” Practicing this at home or school, such as sharing crayons during art or taking turns on the swing, builds these habits.

It’s equally important that children feel safe and confident. Positive experiences with family members or classmates help. Praise their efforts to use kind words or join a group, even if it’s just saying “hi.” Reading books about friendship or watching age-appropriate shows that show friendly behavior also prepares kids for social situations. When children feel ready, they are more willing to reach out and try to make new friends.

What Are the Steps to Make Friends for a 7-Year-Old?

Making friends is a process, and breaking it down into clear steps helps children know what to do. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide with examples and reasons behind each:

1. Smile and Say Hello: Smiling makes you look friendly and approachable. Saying “Hi, my name is [child’s name]” starts a conversation. For example, when meeting a new classmate, a child could say, “Hi! I’m Mia. What’s your name?” This helps break the ice.

1. Ask About Them: Showing interest by asking questions helps find common ground. Kids can ask, “What do you like to do at recess?” or “Do you like superheroes?” These questions invite the other person to talk about themselves, which people like.

1. Share or Invite Them to Play: Sharing toys, games, or even ideas shows kindness and builds trust. For example, a child can say, “Do you want to play tag with me?” or “You can use my crayons if you want.” This makes others feel included.

1. Listen and Respond: It’s important to pay attention to what friends say and answer back. If a friend says, “I like drawing,” the child can respond, “Me too! What do you like to draw?” This shows interest and keeps the conversation going.

1. Take Turns: Taking turns is a way of showing fairness, which helps friendships last. For example, during a game, children can count turns: “Your turn, my turn,” so everyone feels included and respected.

1. Say Thank You: Saying “thank you” when someone shares or plays with you shows you appreciate them. For example, “Thanks for letting me play with your ball!” This makes people feel good and want to spend time together again.

1. Invite Them Again: Friendships grow when children ask to play or talk again. A child might say, “Do you want to play with me tomorrow?” or “Can we be partners for the class project?” This helps build ongoing connections.

Encouraging children to follow these steps helps them practice kindness, attention, and fairness—key parts of friendship.

How Can a 7-Year-Old Tell If Making Friends Is Working?

Children may wonder how to know if they are actually making a friend. Here are some clear signs that a friendship is growing:

• They Look Forward to Playing Together: If a child feels excited to see someone or play with them, that shows a connection.
• They Smile and Laugh Together: Sharing smiles and laughter means both kids enjoy each other’s company.
• They Share Toys or Games Without Being Asked: When children offer toys or take turns on their own, it shows trust.
• They Ask to Play or Talk Again: Invitations like “Do you want to play tomorrow?” or “Want to sit with me at lunch?” indicate friendship.
• They Help Each Other or Say Kind Things: Offering help or saying “You’re nice” or “Thanks” reinforces friendship.

Explain to kids that friendships grow slowly and sometimes take practice. If a child notices these signs, it means their efforts are working. If not, they can try the steps again or ask a grown-up for ideas.

What Should You Do When Making Friends Goes Wrong?

Not every attempt to make friends works out perfectly. Teaching children how to handle these situations builds resilience and confidence.

If a child feels left out or a friend says no, it’s normal to feel sad or frustrated. Encourage children to say something kind like, “Okay, maybe next time!” and then try to play with someone else. This shows respect and keeps the door open without hurt feelings.

Sometimes, children might accidentally say or do something that upsets others. Teach kids to notice if a friend looks sad or angry and to say, “I’m sorry” if needed. For example, “I’m sorry I took the toy without asking.”

If conflicts happen, adults can help by guiding children to talk about their feelings. For example, a teacher might say, “Can you tell your friend why you’re upset?” or “How can you both make it better?”

Remind children that it’s okay if friendships take time to grow, and not everyone will become a close friend right away. Encourage them to keep trying and to talk with parents or teachers if they feel lonely or confused.

How Can Parents and Teachers Help 7-Year-Olds Make Friends?

Adults play a big role in helping children build friendships. Parents and teachers can:

• Create Opportunities for Group Play: Organize playdates or small group activities like crafts, sports, or board games. For example, a teacher might set up a “buddy bench” where kids can invite others to play.
• Praise Friendly Behavior: Notice and comment when a child shares, helps, or says kind words. For example, “I liked how you invited Sarah to play with you today.”
• Model Friendship Skills: Adults can show kindness and friendliness themselves, such as saying “hello” to neighbors or including others in conversations.
• Teach Empathy: Talk about feelings and why it’s nice to be kind. For example, “How would you feel if someone didn’t let you play? That’s why we share.”
• Support Shy or Quiet Kids: Gently introduce them to others and encourage small steps like saying “hi” or smiling.
• Use Books and Stories: Read friendship books together that show kids solving problems or making friends.

By creating a supportive environment and encouraging practice, adults help children feel comfortable and confident in making friends.

How Can This Advice Be Adapted for 7-Year-Olds?

Seven-year-olds learn best with simple, clear instructions and fun examples. Here are ways to make friendship advice easy to understand and use:

• Use Stories and Role Play: Act out meeting a new friend or sharing a toy. For example, pretend to meet a new classmate and practice saying, “Hi, do you want to play?”
• Keep Steps Short and Clear: Divide instructions into small parts, like “Step 1: Smile. Step 2: Say hello.”
• Use Visual Reminders: Make a friendship checklist or chart with pictures showing smiles, sharing, and listening.
• Praise Attempts, Not Just Success: Celebrate when children try to make friends, even if it doesn’t work right away.
• Make It a Game: Turn friendship skills into a fun challenge, like “Can you ask a new friend a question today?”
• Adjust for Attention Span: Keep activities and practice short, around 10-15 minutes, to match their focus.

These adjustments help children understand and practice friendship skills in ways that feel natural and fun for their age.

What Are Some Examples of What a 7-Year-Old Can Say to Make Friends?

Having exact words ready helps kids feel confident. Here are simple phrases children can use:

• “Hi, I’m [name]. What’s your name?”
• “Do you want to play tag with me?”
• “Can I play with you?”
• “What’s your favorite game or book?”
• “Do you want to be on my team?”
• “Thanks for sharing your toy!”
• “Do you want to sit with me at lunch?”
• “That was fun! Can we play again tomorrow?”

Parents or teachers can practice these phrases regularly, so children remember and feel comfortable using them.

Why Is Making Friends Important for 7-Year-Olds?

Friendships at this age teach important life skills such as communication, sharing, empathy, and problem-solving. Friends provide support, make school and activities more enjoyable, and help children build self-confidence. Learning how to make and keep friends sets the foundation for healthy relationships throughout life.

For more ideas and tips on helping children develop friendships, see related articles like Tips and Tricks to Help Kids Make Friends and How to Make Friends as a Kid in School.

Frequently asked questions

How can parents encourage shy 7-year-olds to make friends?

Parents can encourage shy children by arranging small playdates, practicing social skills through role-play, and praising efforts like saying “hi” or smiling. Creating a gentle, supportive environment helps shy kids feel safe to reach out.

What should a child do if another kid says no to playing?

Teach children to stay calm and say, “That’s okay, maybe another time.” Encourage them to try playing with someone else or engage in a different activity. Not every invitation leads to a friendship immediately, and that’s normal.

How do you teach a 7-year-old to share with friends?

Explain sharing as a way to be kind and make playing more fun. Start with small toys or snacks, and praise when children share. Role-playing sharing situations helps kids practice before real-life moments.

What if a child feels lonely even after trying to make friends?

Remind children that friendships take time and encourage them to join clubs or activities with kids who share their interests. Talking to a trusted adult about feelings provides support and helpful ideas.

Can technology help 7-year-olds make friends?

Video calls with family or classmates can help maintain connections, but face-to-face play teaches more about feelings and body language. In-person interactions are best for building strong friendships.