However, you can help your teen in choosing their friends, although the ultimate decision remains with your teenager. Use teachable moments to talk about what makes a good friend. Points to remember when talking about friendships with your teenager:
- You are allowed to have many friends.
- Honesty is important in a friendship.
- Friends sometimes hurt each other, but they can apologize and forgive.
- Friends can influence each other, both in a positive way and in a negative way. (See: Peer Pressure)
- Who you choose to be your friend is important, it is essential that you choose wisely and that you benefit from the friendship.
- It takes many learned skills to make and maintain a friendship; it also takes many skills to end a friendship.
- It is okay and even beneficial to make friends with the opposite gender.
- It takes time to make a good friend, but it is worth the effort as having a confident can help a teenager with stress.
- Spending time together will help you get to know your friends well, so that you can feel comfortable sharing feelings.
- A good friendship will make you feel good about yourself.
Take this article one step further:
