Student Wellbeing

Growing Kind and Connected Friendships

Friendships play an important role in a child's sense of belonging, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Through friendships, children learn valuable social skills such as communication, empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Like many aspects of development, friendships can bring great joy but also occasional challenges as children learn how to navigate relationships with others. 

Supporting friendship skills at home 

1. Encourage open conversations Create regular opportunities for your child to talk about their friendships. Ask simple questions such as: 

• "Who did you enjoy spending time with today?" 

• "What was something kind someone did for you?" 

• "How did you show kindness to someone else?" 

These conversations help children reflect on positive relationship skills. 

2. Teach empathy Encourage your child to consider how others may be feeling. Helping children see situations from another person's perspective builds understanding, compassion, and stronger relationships. 

3. Focus on friendship qualities Talk about what makes a good friend. Qualities such as kindness, honesty, respect, inclusiveness, and trust are important foundations for healthy friendships. 

4. Support problem-solving When friendship issues arise, avoid rushing to solve the problem immediately. Instead, guide your child to think about possible solutions and how they might respectfully address the situation. 

5. Model positive relationships Children learn a great deal by observing the adults around them. Demonstrating respectful communication, active listening, and kindness helps children develop these same skills in their own friendships. 

When Friendship Challenges Arise 

Friendship difficulties are a normal part of growing up. Rather than viewing disagreements as failures, they can be seen as opportunities for children to practise resilience, communication, and conflict resolution skills. With support and guidance, children learn that healthy friendships involve kindness, understanding, forgiveness, and working through challenges together.