From Publishers Weekly
Parents of young social butterflies may think this book makes mountains out of molehills, but those whose children have difficulty making and keeping friends will likely find its practical, down-to-earth approach a godsend. Frankel, a psychologist, helped develop the Social Skills Training Program at UCLA, where he teaches parenting workshops on helping kids make and keep friends. Based on that program, this volume gives a helpful overview and also allows parents to locate particular problems (e.g., how to find friends; how to deal with bullies). Frankel advocates one-on-one playdates as the most effective way for children to form meaningful friendships, maintaining that organized activities like team sports aren't structured to lead to the development of close friendships. They are valuable arenas in which kids can touch base with peers, but the building of friendships is facilitated by following up with one-on-one play. Tips on hosting playdates and suggestions for avoiding frustration, boredom and conflict?the three main stumbling blocks of play time?are included. Frankel's advises that kids should rely on interactive games (jumping rope, playing catch, board games) and that parents should stay in the background during visits. He also offers concrete suggestions for organizing schedules to make time for friends and for limiting such solitary activities as video games and TV.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Midwest Book Review
Good Friends Are Hard To Find is the book for any parent (or child-care provider) whose five to twelve-year-old has no one to play with, and is outraged when other kids tease or pick on him or her, or feels helpless when school calls with the message that there's been a fight. Good Friends Are Hard To Find provides step-by-step information for parents helping them to help their youngsters make friends and solve problems with other kids. Good Friends Are Hard To Find is a guide that also offers concrete help for teasing, bullying and meanness, both for the child who is picked on and for the tormentor. Based on the UCLA Children's Social Skills Program, Good Friends Are Hard To Find teaches clinically tested techniques that really work. Good Friends Are Hard To Find is a valuable, practical, and applicable reference book for any parenting collection.
See all Editorial Reviews