3 ways to teach your child to be a good friend

Healthy relationships and good friends make us happy. These friendships are built over time in families, communities, schools, and even online. Making and growing friendships takes a lot of work, by both parents and children, but they can be one of the most rewarding experiences in a child’s life.

Making friends (and keeping them) is an important life skill for us all. In this article, you will find three ways to help teach your children about friendship and how they can be good friends.

1. Share what good friends do.

Help your child to understand that a good friend:

• Remembers important things and dates (birthdays, talents, things you’ve achieved etc.)
• Can be relied on – they’re dependable
• Do and say kind things to and for each another.
• Offer to help when a friend is sad, frustrated or has a problem.
• Enjoys spending time together.
• Like having fun with each other

2. Learn about friendship.

There are so many great friendships portrayed in children’s books. Some of our favourites include:

• My New Friend is So Fun by Mo Willems - Gerald the elephant overcomes anxiety and jealousy when his best friend, Piggie, starts spending time with a new pal named Brian Bat.
• The Almost Terrible Playdate by Rich Torrey – emotions run high when a strong-willed boy and girl can’t agree on what to play. Can they turn the playdate around before it’s too late?
• Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel - Frog is upbeat and always optimistic. Toad is well… kind of a grump. But together, they can solve any problem.

Books are a great way for parents and carers to start discussions about relationships and what makes a good friend (kind, thoughtful, helpful, good listener, etc). These books show, that despite their differences, people can still be good friends. They playfully illustrate the importance of being kind, respectful, and helping each other to solve problems.

3. Be a role model, be a good friend yourself.

This is one of the best ways to teach children about being a good friend. When talking about your friends, always be positive and be sure to make time for your friends and find ways to help them. Bring your children with you if possible so they can see the impact of good friends firsthand. Think about the characteristics of good friends and demonstrate them consistently yourself.

Being a good friend takes practice, so don’t expect to get it right first or every time. Keep encouraging your children and help them by being a good friend yourself.

Visit our Parenting HUB | For more tips and practical advice on building positive relationships with your child.

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^{Disclaimer: This article does not give professional advice.  The contents constitute general information of a summary nature of interest and relevance at the time of publication. You should not rely on the contents as professional advice but should seek, formal advice in particular matters relevant to your particular situation}

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