{Disclaimer- I have been compensated for this review, however, the opinions are my own, I promise to tell the truth! 
And I wouldn’t share it if I didn’t think it was worthwhile!}
I have mentioned a few times that we just moved across a few states My little boy is three, and this move was quite a bit harder than our last when he was only 12 months old. He had a set of friends he was used to, remembered our apartment, and still talks quite often about “when we we’re in Florida”. He is a super sweet little boy and has a lot of my personality in him. Meaning, he is an introvert. He doesn’t like big groups of people and would rather play with friends one-on-one. Which is totally fine, but makes it hard sometimes to make new friends. So after our big move I was eager to help him to make new friends. I would like to share a few things that I have done to help my children make friends and keep them Even before they are in school.
1. Give them as many opportunities to be around other children as you can-so that they learn how to interact with all types of kids and personalities. We like to go to the mall and play at the play place, the park, church activities with other kids, etc. Get them out there! The only way there are going to learn is if you give them opportunities with other kids.
2. Ease them into it. I failed at this, when we first moved, I would get frustrated and say “Just go play with your friends, I don’t need to be right by you, Go play!!” I realized that my little boy needed some easing into making friends. I started by sitting with him and playing with him and the new friends he was making and playing right along with them, then I gradually would ease away and let him go at his own pace, if he wasn’t ready or didn’t feel comfortable, I was okay with that.
3. One thing I have used with my son is called “The Friendship Show” by Ruby’s Studio. I was really excited to find this, and have been amazed with how wonderful this show ended up being for my son. My son is 3 and sat through the entire movie, concentrating very hard! I could tell he was very interested, and engaged by what Ruby was teaching. {The show is geared towards children aged 3-9}
I, as a mother, also enjoyed the show, and was very impressed with how simply they explained friendship to children. The show is very well done, and you can tell, took a lot of time an effort from very artistic and talented individuals. This is not just some random props thrown in front of the screen and cheap animation, this is the real deal. Real art, great modern music and visuals, and just beautiful images and sounds all around.
The show is conducted by a lovely & kind lady named Ruby. She reminds me of a Princess mixed with Mary Poppins. I loved her from the beginning. She has a soothing voice, and I really wish I could have her come babysit my kids for me. She is enthusiastic and understanding, and explains things simply and effectively. 
The show has a few different segments and breaks it up enough to keep children engaged, and to teach different principles about friendship. There were a few very well done cartoons teaching about how to make friends, a little clip with two friends who had to learn how to compromise, four super cute and perceptive children who talk about their friends, and how they are a good friend in th
eir own lives… and a thoughtful craft idea to give to a friend!
I wish I was better at explaining, but to give you an idea of what the show is like you can watch a preview here.
Another thing I really liked about Ruby’s Studio: The Friendship Show, was that it is entertaining but not a crazy-over-the-top-physco-cartoon. I have such a hard time finding shows I am okay with my son watching. He is only three, and a lot of things are still scary for him {yes, even some Disney shows} I appreciate kids shows that keep the innocence and sweetness in my little man for as long as I possibly can.
Lastly, I like to look and see who is making these movies my kids are watching. The company that started this show is called “The Mother Company”. You can learn more about them, here. They have amazing parenting articles, and of course, great products, like The Friendship Show.They are actual MOTHERS. People who HAVE children, and are raising/have raised kids! Not someone with a PhD who thinks they know what my kid needs to know, but has never actually raised a child, not someone with a corporate agenda, real life mothers, who want to help other mothers to raise children with emotional intelligence. They even mention on their website that they are trying to help young children become good people! Thank You! We need more companies likes yours.
They have a variety of products, and give you the option of buying a DVD or downloading their shows directly to your computer or iPad or iPhone or whatever They also have books, and music, dolls, and gift sets. Check It out, here!
Are you ready for the super amazing giveaway? Here goes, Ruby’s Studio is giving away a $25 dollar gift card to Amazon! All you need to do is check them out on facebook and like their page!
Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter and you are good to go! This giveaway will be posted for one week.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Finally, I would like to add one more idea to teach your child about friendship.
5. Be a good friend yourself. Be a good friend to others and be that example. Be a friend to your child {always being a parent first} But teach them by example what it means to be a friend.
Good Luck with the giveaway, and don’t forget to to check out Ruby’s Studio!
Traci
This is great! Thanks for hosting!