Friendships and playdates
A playdate that has a start, a game, and an end is a skill. We practise it with one peer before we talk about a whole class of friends.
Written by the Inclusive Developmental and Therapy Center therapy team · medically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS (GMC 8023727) · Last reviewed September 2026
What to set up
One child, a short time, a game that has turns, a parent nearby then further away. Repair: sorry, try again, leave. Teens: friendships hub.
When anxiety is the wall
Psychology sits with Salman. Related: anxiety, shy or anxious.
How to end while it is still going well
The useful playdate is shorter than you think. End on a high, with a goodbye that exists. Tears at the door every time usually means the slot was too long, not that friendship is impossible.
Repair — sorry, try again, leave — is a taught skill. Cluster: a session.
Cousins, parks and birthday parties
A cousin is often the first peer. A park is a harder room. A birthday party is not step one. If they only play with adults, keep the adult as the safe base and add one child, then fade.
Friendships — questions parents ask
They only want to play with adults.
That is a stage. We add one peer while the adult is still the safe base, then fade.
The playdate always ends in tears.
Shorten it. End while it is still going well. Ending is a skill too.
They have one friend and that is enough. Is that a problem?
Often that is enough this year. One friend who lasts is better than a class of names they cannot use.
Ask about friendships
A short, friendly conversation is the best first step. Call, text or WhatsApp us — we’ll listen and guide you, with no pressure.
MPS Road, Block A Model Town, Multan (near Bloomfield Hall School, Street No. 2) · Mon–Fri, 2 PM – 6 PM