Should you make your child be friends with another child?

[SpicymulledSheraz]

My 6yr old DS is good friends with boy next door (also 6 ) and has been fro 2.5 yrs.
In the summer a 3rd boy moved in across the road ( also 6). I have tried to encourage all 3 to be friends, but my son and neighbour say they don't like boy 3.
Boy 3 is a bit rougher than my Ds and boy2. My ds and boy 2 though now are running and hiding from boy 3 if he comes out and hide from him, calling him names. I don't like the way they are behaving and have told DS he is not being nice, and tried to explain how he would feel if it was him. He just says he doesn't like boy 3 and doesn't want to play with im? Should I make him?

No, don't make him but I'd tell them off if they're being rude and nasty, they need to learn that it's not ok imo.

I wouldn't force them to be friends to be honest, as I wouldn't like to be forced to be friends with someone I don't like.

Just let your ds know its unnacceptable to call him names whatever he decides and not force it on him, they may become friends in future if left to their own devices.

Ds1 has just gone to call for boy2, asked them to call for boy3 and to give him a chance?

It's nice that they're making an effort, but I wouldn't worry if it doesn't work out. You can't force friendships.
They might become friends as they get older, as 'boy 3' may become less physical in his play as he matures.
I would tackle the name calling head on though, as that's not acceptable IMO.

No you shouldn't! However, you should explain to him that the namecalling and running away is not good. I think that might stop if you don't force them to be friends. Friendship has to come naturally and you never know.. this time next year they may be great mates.

Oh I do, and I have spoken to boy 3's Mum and told her that i know what my son is doing and that I won't tolerate the name calling etc. i just feel sorry for boy 3 and his Mum as I would be heartbroken if my DS was treated like this.

But sadly we can't choose our children's friends. The more we push them towards people the more they run away.

Boy 3 will be fine. He will find his own friends. Your DS needs to know that you respect his decision not to be friends with boy 3. It's good that you've told him his behaviour is unacceptable.

Thanks for the advice.Season of goodwill - unless you are 6!!

or 7... or 8..... lol!

Have a good Christmas!

or 35 bah humbug!. No have a godd time one and all!