Imagine walking into a room where everyone else seems to know one another. You’re not sure where to sit, who to talk to, or whether anyone will notice you’re there.
Now imagine someone looks up, smiles, and says, “Hi! I’m glad you’re here. Come sit with us.”
That small invitation can change how the whole experience feels.
Young people encounter moments like this every day—in classrooms, at lunch, during after-school activities, on teams, and in their neighborhoods. Feeling welcome doesn’t solve every challenge they face, but it can make it easier to participate, connect with others, and ask for help when they need it.
Belonging is something we can help create through the way we treat one another.
Make the first few minutes count
Walking into a new space can be uncomfortable at any age. For a young person, especially one who doesn’t know anyone, the first few minutes can feel particularly long.
If you’re welcoming a child or teen into a group:
Greet them by name when you can.
Tell them what to expect.
Show them where they can put their belongings or find what they need.
Introduce them to someone who can help them feel comfortable.
Invite them into an activity without putting them on the spot.
Instead of saying, “Everyone, introduce yourselves to our new student!” you might quietly say:
“We’re getting started with a group activity. You’re welcome to join us here, and I can introduce you to a couple of people.”
A young person may need time before they’re ready to jump in. A warm invitation and a little patience can go a long way.
Pay attention to who might be left out
A child sitting alone isn’t always unhappy. They may enjoy quiet time, or they may simply need a break. Still, checking in gives them an opportunity to connect if they want to.
You could say:
“Would you like some company?”
Or:
“We’re starting a game over here if you’d like to join. You can watch first if you want.”
The goal is to offer an invitation without making assumptions or forcing participation.
Adults can also help young people notice and include others. At home, you might ask:
“What could you do if you noticed someone didn’t have anyone to sit with?”
Talk through a few possibilities together. They might invite someone to sit nearby, ask them to join an activity, or tell a trusted adult if they’re worried someone is being repeatedly excluded.
Remember what young people share with you
One of the simplest ways to help someone feel known is to remember what matters to them.
If a young person mentioned they were nervous about a presentation, ask how it went. If they told you about a new pet, remember to ask about it. If they shared that they love drawing, make space for them to show you their work.
You don’t need a perfect memory. Even a simple follow-up like, “You mentioned something important was happening this week—how did it go?” shows that you were listening.
These small conversations can also make it easier for a young person to approach you when something bigger is on their mind.
Make home a place to land
After a long day, children and teens may need a little time before they’re ready to talk. Some want to share everything as soon as they walk through the door. Others need a snack, quiet time, or a chance to move their bodies first.
Notice what helps your child settle in. You might try a low-pressure routine:
Greet them warmly.
Offer a snack or a little downtime.
Spend a few minutes together doing something ordinary.
Ask about their day when they seem ready.
If your child had a difficult day, you might say:
“I’m glad you’re home. We can talk whenever you’re ready.”
A welcoming home doesn’t have to be perfectly calm or organized. What matters is that young people know they have a place where they are cared for and can be themselves.
What if your child says they don’t feel included?
It can be painful to hear that your child feels left out. Start by listening and letting them know you’re glad they told you.
You might say:
“I’m sorry that happened. That sounds lonely. Can you tell me more about what it’s been like?”
Try to understand whether this was one difficult moment or something that has been happening repeatedly. Ask what your child has already tried and what kind of support they would like.
Depending on the situation, you might help them practice inviting someone to join them, look for an activity where they can meet peers with similar interests, or connect with a teacher, counselor, coach, or program leader.
If exclusion is repeated or involves bullying, work with the adults responsible for the setting to address it. Your child should not have to figure it out alone.
A small step to try this week
Think of someone who might appreciate a warm welcome. Say hello, use their name, invite them into a conversation, or follow up on something they shared.
These moments may seem ordinary, but together they help create a community where young people know they are noticed, valued, and welcome.
At Todos Juntos, we believe belonging starts with people—and each of us can help build it, one small moment at a time.
