Helping Your Rising Sixth Grader Make New Friends

Friendships often change during the move to middle school. Students may be mixed with peers from several elementary schools, and old friend groups can drift apart. That's normal—and it's also an opportunity.

Normalize the change Let your child know it is common for friendships to shift. Changing friends does not mean something is wrong with them.

Practice conversation starters Role-play simple openers: asking about a shared class, a club, or lunch plans. Practice makes reaching out feel less scary.

Encourage clubs and activities Shared interests are one of the easiest paths to friendship. Look at the school's club list together.

Talk about healthy friendships Discuss what a good friend does—listens, respects boundaries, includes others—and what to do when a friendship doesn't feel good.

Stay curious, not intrusive Ask about their day with genuine interest. Let them lead.

This article is educational and is not a substitute for individualized professional advice.