Here’s how:

1. Ask her preschool teacher to suggest children in the class who might make good playmates for your child.

2. Invite a friendly child to your home to play with your child.

3. Provide simple toys for the children to play with. Try dolls, balls and kitchen playthings.

4. Stay near the children at first in case your child needs your help. If the other child asks your child a question and your child does not respond, you can prompt, “Lauren, Carrie asked you your doll’s name. Can you tell her your doll’s name?”

5. Praise your child for successful interactions. “I liked the way you invited Emma into your fort. That made her feel happy.”

Copyright © Parent Institute