Friendships go through ups and downs. It’s normal—even healthy—for your child to experience difficulties in their friendships. It’s all part of growing up and learning how to navigate relationships. But meaningful support from you can make all the difference in creating space for them to grow. Here are some tips for helping your kiddo through a tough friend situation.
1. Listen Without Jumping In
When your child comes to you with a problem, resist the urge to fix it right away. Instead, listen calmly and let them share their side of the story. This helps them feel heard and gives you the full picture before offering guidance.
Tip: Ask open-ended questions like, “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you think you want to do next?
2. Validate Their Feelings
Even if the drama seems minor to you, it can feel huge to your child. Acknowledge their feelings without minimizing the situation. This builds trust and helps them process what they’re experiencing.
3. Teach Healthy Communication and Seeing Different Perspectives
Encourage your child to express their feelings calmly and respectfully. Role-playing conversations can help them practice what they want to say and build the confidence to speak up for themselves.
Children often see situations only from their point of view. Help your child think about what their friend might have been feeling or going through. Ask, “Why do you think they might have acted that way?” or “Have you ever felt like that?”
4. Promote Problem-Solving Skills
Guide your child in thinking through possible solutions. Rather than telling them what to do, help them explore options and the potential outcomes. This empowers them to make thoughtful decisions on their own.
5. Know When to Step In
While it’s important to let your child handle most friend drama on their own, sometimes the situation calls for a parent’s intervention. If the conflict is causing your child significant distress, involves bullying, or if your child feels unsafe, it’s time to step in and provide extra support. Trust your instincts and be ready to offer guidance, mediate if needed, or seek help from teachers or counselors.
