Understanding the Foundations and Supporting Positive Friendships for Children
In our last article about friendship, we talked about the common red flags in your child's friendships. Now, let's talk about what are the foundations of a healthy friendship and how you can help your child build those connections.
The 5 Pillars of Healthy Friendships
1.Trust and Loyalty:
Trust is vital in any friendship including children's friendships. Kids and teens should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with their friends, knowing they won't be judged or betrayed. Loyalty means sticking with each other no matter what, and supporting each other through both good times and bad.
2. Respect:
Respect is another big part of good friendships. Kids and teens should treat each other with kindness and understanding, respecting each other's boundaries, opinions, and differences.
3. Communication:
Talking openly and honestly is important for keeping friendships strong and working through conflicts that come up. Please encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings with their friends, and to listen well when their friends talk too.
4. Shared Interests and Values:
While differences can enrich friendships, having things in common can make friendships even stronger. Whether it's playing games, watching movies, or just hanging out, doing things together helps friends bond and make memories.
5. Support and Encouragement:
Friends should always be there for each other, cheering each other on and offering support when things get tough. Whether it's doing well in school, growing as a person, or facing challenges, friends help each other through it all.
5 Strategies to Nurture Positive Friendships For Children
1.Talk Honestly:
Tell kids and teens it's okay to talk openly about their friendships. Create a safe space where they can share their feelings, worries, and problems with their friends.
2. Be a Good Example:
Show kids how to have good relationships by treating others with respect, understanding, and good communication. Kids learn a lot by watching you, so act the way you want them to in their friendships.
3. Encourage diversity:
Encourage kids to have friends from all different backgrounds and ways of thinking. Meeting different kinds of people enriches their social experiences and fosters empathy and understanding.
4. Set boundaries:
Help kids figure out when a friendship isn't good for them and how to say no. Teach them to stand up for themselves and set healthy boundaries.
5. Seek support:
If you think your child's friendship is causing them pain, talk to someone who can help, like a therapist. They can give you advice and guidance assistance in addressing the situation.
By helping kids and teens learn about good friendships and giving them ways to make those friendships stronger, grown-ups can help them have happier, healthier social lives. Having good friends from the start sets them up for a lifetime of happiness and strength when things get tough.