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Listen to what they have to say and who they mention.
Invite the child round for a playtime and or tea.

Introducing them and talking to the other children, asking their name and age etc

Help them mix with a whole range of different children and encourage them to talk and give their opinions about things but understand other children may think differently. Teach them that to make good friends you need to be a good friend.

Make friends with people with children around the same age who live close by or go to the same kids clubs. Having gatherings/barbecues with adults and kids, a glass of wine, dads playing football with the children breaks down barriers and everyone gains. Everyone gets to make new friends.

Talking to them about the importance of friends and sharing good standards that will help them through life my youngest son has just been on a weekend away with school friends he has known since his comprehensive days and they areal hitting 30 this year! My dear granddaughter is Seven and she sets great store on her friendship with her favourite classmate always telling me of the fun they have together I always told my sons treat people the way you like to be treat yourself and you won't go wrong!

Just getting children to mix with other children from an early age;baby groups/ nursery/play group etc. And making the time to talk to them if they have any sort of dispute with their friends, pointing out if they're in the wrong.

Speak to the children and grandson soon joins in.

My top tip is to invite the neighbours children around to play that are the same age as your grandchild. Certainly, enhances your grandchild's sociable skills.

I have two grandchildren Sophie who is 12 and Max who is 5. They are both very sociable children and seem to make friends with everybody they meet. Both there parents have a wide circle of friends so I think probably because their parents socialise it seems to come natural to my grandchildren.

Elainel, I think you've hit the nail on the head. Being aware of what's happening is so important, as is being sensitive to individual differences. In the case of my eldest grandson, now age 9, he has always been friendly, sociable and outgoing, with a ready smile and a happy knack of being liked by all. Making lots of friends has always seemed to come easily to him. By contrast my youngest grandson, now age 4, is quite shy. Fairly hesitant in new company, he responds well to lots of gentle, quiet encouragement. No pressure.

Read stories about friends having fun together.
Chat to them to find out who their friends are and what they like to play with.
Arrange to go to soft play, messy play, outside fun, book bug etc with parents/grandparents and their children/grandchildren so you get to know children with their families and form relationships.
Grandson only 2 ½ so too young for playdates but these could be arranged when he is old enough.
Don't interfere too much but be aware of what is happening.