Parent Tips for Helping Children & Teens Create Healthy Friendships

Friendship is a vital part of development, providing support, companionship and a sense of belonging. However, making friends can sometimes feel daunting, especially for young people navigating the complexities of adolescence and the teenage years. These are some suggestions that parents can use when talking to their children about the best ways to make friends and build meaningful connections.

Be Yourself

Authenticity is key when it comes to making friends. Encourage your child to embrace their unique interests, quirks, and personality traits. When they stay true to themselves, they attract friends who appreciate them for who they are.

Find Common Interests

Shared interests provide a natural starting point for friendship. Encourage youth to explore their hobbies and passions, whether it's sports, art, music, or gaming. Participating in activities they enjoy increases the likelihood of meeting like-minded peers.

Be Open-Minded

Friendship can come in unexpected forms. Encourage your children to be open-minded and approachable, welcoming the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Emphasize the value of learning from others and embracing new experiences.

Practice Empathy

Empathy is the foundation of meaningful connections. Encourage your child to listen actively, show genuine interest in others' experiences and offer support when needed. By understanding and empathizing with others' feelings, they deepen their friendships, foster trust and build camaraderie.

Initiate Conversations

Initiating conversations can be nerve-wracking, but it's a crucial step in making friends. Encourage your children to start small by asking open-ended questions, offering compliments, or sharing a funny story. Remind them that everyone feels a little awkward at times and the more they practice, the more comfortable they will feel over time.

Be a Good Listener

Being a good listener is just as important as being able to express oneself. Encourage your child or teen to give their full attention when others are speaking, ask follow-up questions, and validate their feelings. By showing genuine interest in others, they will strengthen their connections and build rapport.

Communication Skills 

As parents we can create opportunities to practice meaningful communication by setting aside device-free times, such as family dinners, to engage in open and honest conversations. Practicing active listening and effective communication techniques to ensures everyone in your family feels valued and builds important friendship skills.

Cooperation

Engage in collaborative activities and projects as a family to promote teamwork and cooperation. Encourage children to take turns, share responsibilities and appreciate the contributions of others, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.

Emotion Regulation

Help children and teens learn to recognize and manage their emotions in healthy ways. Provide support and guidance during times of emotional distress, teaching coping strategies and problem-solving skills to navigate challenging situations.

Apology and Forgiveness 

Teach children the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, making sincere apologies and offering forgiveness to others. Model the behavior you wish to see by acknowledging your own mistakes and demonstrating genuine remorse and forgiveness.

Be Kind and Inclusive

Kindness goes a long way in fostering friendships. Encourage youth to be inclusive, reach out to those who may be feeling left out, and stand up against bullying and exclusion. By creating a welcoming environment, they create opportunities for meaningful connections to flourish.

Remain Patient and Persistent

Making friends takes time and effort. Encourage your kids to stay patient and persistent even if they face setbacks or rejection along the way. Remind them that building friendships is a journey and each interaction brings them one step closer to finding their community.

Friendship is a valuable asset in child development, offering support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. By being authentic, embracing common interests, practicing empathy and initiating conversation, young people can build meaningful connections that enrich their lives. Remind your children that true friendships are worth the effort.