An excellent way to expose your child to a variety of kids is to join a local club or group. Here are a few options to consider:

• Hobby club — chess, computers, arts and crafts

• Music club — listening to music, playing instruments, karaoke

• Sports team — soccer, hockey, gymnastics, swimming, ice skating

• Drama club — acting, putting on plays

• Dance — hip hop, jazz, ballet

• Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts

• Religious youth groups — missions, retreats, meetings

• Exercise club — walk together or hit the gym

• Classes or lessons — cooking, art, acting, writing, golf, roller skating, knitting, sewing, scrap booking, or classes just for fun like jumping rope or bubble blowing