Making and Keeping Friends
Friendships Matter
You've probably already noticed that since your child has been back to school, they have had to navigate many new situations with friends. They've had to figure out who they do and don’t get along with. Some kids have also had the realization that they don't feel comfortable with the same group of friends they had in the past. You know how import it is for you child have connections at school so that they feel like they belong. So here are 5 tips to help you support your child as they develop new social skills and make friends.
Kindness Tips that Create Friendships
1. Positive Affirmations: Say Kind and uplifting things to yourself to know your value
2. Talk About Kindness: Have conversations about when you see friendly behavior and promote it
3. Avoid People Pleasing: Help a child know that lasting friends care about each other’s opinions
4. Practice, Practice, Practice: If a mistake is made, regroup, and try again. Kindness takes work
5. Make Kind Friends: As you make friends make sure they treat others how you want to be treated. You are who you hang around!
Now is a great time to review these steps with your kids so they can feel confident as they navigate their social world. I hope they're helpful to both you and your family.
5 Steps of Kindness YouTube by Cher Kretz link
The Friendship Tree
When you think of the people in your life, think of a tree. Let’s call it The Friendship Tree. You are the trunk of the tree. Everything that you do or say and the choices you make is powered by you. On this Friendship Tree you have leaves. The leaves are the people that come and go in your life. Sometimes as you get to know the leaves they stay around for a while, but sometimes they don’t, and that's OK.
The branches of your tree are more important people in your life. Still, they are not to be held most important because many times branches can break. These are usually people you spend time with, but you didn’t necessarily choose to be around. They could be classmates, coworkers, teammates, and even some family members.
Some people in your life are like the roots of your tree. These are the people who we choose to be closest to. The few strong people you can deponent on. These people help you stay grounded and are there for you through the thick and thin. Value them. Be kind to them. You want the roots in your life to know for certain that they matter to you.
Roots of a tree are known to be near twice the size of the tree itself! So, choose the people who are your roots wisely because there is a good chance that they will stay in our life for quite a while. Be mindful when we plant roots with people. Make sure they have the qualities you want around you because it's harder pull out and break free from the roots that are connected an emotional bond.
I encourage you and your kids to look at their friendships and find out what category they are in. Realize that it's OK to take a little time to figure out a person’s character before you get close. And remember each person in our life is unique and important in their own way. The leaves, the branches, and roots in your play a role in helping you learn, grow, and build a community of people around you.