If your child can find and foster one good friendship, it will make a world of difference. Just having a single friend can insulate and protect your child's social confidence and developing self-esteem. Once your child has found a potential friend who has similar interests and a compatible personality style, it is time to coach him on how to strengthen the relationship. Here is what he needs to do:

• Be willing to take a chance. In order to have a good friend, you must be a good friend. Your child must be willing to take the initiative and invite his friend over to play, and he must be willing to go play at his new friend's house. Being open to new experiences is necessary.

• Be honest. Your child should let his new friend know that he likes him and that he enjoys spending time with him.

• Don't keep score. Let your child know that a friendship is rarely equal. There will be times when his friends needs help and support and times when he needs help and support.

• Be willing to apologize and to forgive. Everyone makes mistakes and chances are good that your child or his new friend will make a few mistakes along the way. Teach your child to say “I'm sorry” if he hurt his friend's feelings. And teach him to be gracious and to forgive when his friend hurts his feelings.

• Have fun and stop worrying. Keep inviting your son's friends over. Find out his friends' interests and plan activities both boys would enjoy. Relax and have fun.