Helping your son find his tribe

At this time of year, many primary school boys in Year 6 are spending a morning or a day at a new school as part of the transition process into Year 7 in 2025.

While this can often be a daunting process, especially for boys who are naturally shy and navigating the tricky terrain of pre-teen friendships, it can also be an incredible opportunity for your son to learn some life skills and put them into practice.

As parents, you can play a vital role in guiding your son, helping him build connections, and helping others feel comfortable around him.

When meeting new friends, encourage your son to.

Smile and say hello. It sounds so simple, but a friendly greeting can go a long way in showing he’s approachable and open to making new friends.

Join clubs or teams. Encourage him to explore sports, music, or other clubs at school like chess or dance. Shared interests create natural opportunities to bond with classmates.

Be a good listener. Teach him to show interest in what others say. Simple questions like, ‘What do you enjoy doing?’ can spark meaningful conversations.

Offer to help. Whether it’s carrying books or helping to find a classroom, small acts of kindness can leave a positive impression.

Be inclusive. Suggest he invite a classmate to sit with him during lunch or join a group game. Being inclusive helps others feel welcome.

Find common ground. Sharing a joke or talking about a popular video game can help break the ice.

Keep it low-key. For shy boys, starting with smaller groups or one-on-one chats might feel less intimidating.

Use body language. A relaxed posture, eye contact, and nodding can show he’s interested and approachable.

Practise conversations at home. Role-play different scenarios to build his confidence in starting and continuing conversations.

Be patient. Remind him that friendships take time to grow. Encourage persistence and optimism.

By equipping your son with these tools and cheering him on, you’ll help him settle into his new school and build connections that could last a lifetime.

 

 

Brought to you by Brighton Grammar School

This article is about Understanding Boys