Parental involvement is very important for helping kids develop good social skills and friendships. When parents are active in their children’s lives, it can really help how they interact with others.

Here are some key points:

1. Developing Social Skills:

   • Kids who have parents that are involved tend to develop better social skills. One research study showed that these kids did about 50% better on social skills tests than kids whose parents were less involved.
   • Children with parents who are warm and set clear rules, known as authoritative parents, tend to be better at talking to others and understanding how they feel.

2. Friendships:

   • When parents get involved, it can improve the friendships that children have. About 60% of kids with supportive parents say they have a close friend. In comparison, only 34% of kids with less engaged parents feel the same way.
   • Kids who spend time with their families—like talking together or playing games—often feel more in touch with their emotions. This can help them get along better with their friends.

3. Long-Term Impact:

   • Research shows that kids with more involved parents are less likely to feel anxious in social situations. They also learn how to resolve conflicts better. For instance, 70% of children from involved families know how to handle social problems well, while only 40% of those from less involved families can do the same.

In short, having involved parents is key to helping kids develop important social skills and form good friendships. This support can have a big impact on children as they grow up.