How to be a good friend

We all want our children to be able to connect with each other and form healthy friendships. But what happens when those friendship’s start to have problems? It can be hard for children to understand why their friends aren’t talking to them or playing the same games they used to, sometimes it is a matter of time and space and sometimes it can be the start of other friendship or peer issues.

For some children, particularly those who are starting to experience problems or those who have questions about their friendships, it can be helpful for parents to be able to have a conversation about what a good friend is and how children can be good friends to one another. These can provide a basis of understanding for children, to help them to problem solve any potential issues within a friendship. Here are some suggestions for friendship rules to help start conversations between parents and children:

• Friends are kind to each other.
• Friends don’t talk about others behind their backs.
• Friends let their friends be friends with other people.
• When friends are upset with someone, they ask for space until they’re ready to talk calmly.
• If friends think someone is mad at them, they ASK what’s going on.
• Friends use “I” messages to talk about a problem.
• Friends listen to what other people have to say without arguing or interrupting.
• Friends take responsibility for their own behaviour

If your child is talking about friendship issues that don’t seem to be going away, or you are worried about issues such as bullying, contact your child’s teachers, the school Principal or the school counsellor at Kerry.marshall@catholiccare.cg.org.au.

If you’d like to talk about any concerns about your child, you can contact me via email or phone 0488 468 056.

Kind regards

Kerry Marshall

Student and Family Counsellor