How do you help the "new" kid feel better?

Question

I baby sit at home and this year I got a new kid from a different district. He is 6 years old (and a really nice kid) and the same age and grade as my son. They are definitely hitting it off but they are not in the same class so they only see each other at recess and here in my home. I was talking to him today and he told me that he wasn't interested in making new friends because it was too hard. He is also doing some things that tell me he is lashing out such as teasing some of the younger kids at my house and getting in to mild trouble at school. That obviously told me he is struggling being the new kid and simply not making friends yet. At 6 years old I am sure that hurts his feelings. I can't imagine how hard it must be on him. I talked with his mom a little tonight and let her know what he told me. We are both going to try and help him get past this. She also confirmed that this is all new behavior.

Can anyone give me some suggestions to help him? I want him to be happy so much. He really is a nice kid. He's just scared and the out cast right now...

Answer 1

At my school, I schedule small "lunch bunches" where 4-5 kids will have lunch in my office once a week for a few weeks. It helps kids who are having trouble making friends b/c they get to do something special with just a few other kids in their class. And often kids go to recess after lunch, so they will hopefully outside and continue playing together. You might call your school's counselor and let her know your concerns about this child. She might be able to involve him in a lunch bunch or social skills group. With many children in a school, the counselor is probably not aware the student is having these problems.

Answer 2

Have the Mom schedule a play date on a weekend so he can meet some children in his class on his own turf.