Friendship is a Rollercoaster
Ups and downs, twists and turns, highs and lows… Friendships are like a rollercoaster.
Key Outcome
Your child will learn that friendships have ups and downs – and they can survive it.
Objective
It is very normal for friendships to have ups and downs, twists and turns, highs and lows…like a rollercoaster.
Our URSTRONG Schools teach students all about our infamous 4 Friendship Facts. Friendship Fact #1 reminds children that: “No friendship (or relationship) is perfect.” It’s important for children to understand that it’s very normal to have Friendship Fires with their friends. Conflicts are normal, especially with people we spend a lot of time with. The important thing is that they put their Fires out and get their friendship back feeling healthy again.
Materials
- Print two copies: Friendship Rollercoaster
- Pen/pencil
- A comfy place to chat
Instructions
- Print out the Friendship Rollercoaster handout – one for your child and one for you.
- Find a comfy place to chat and give your child a copy of the handout. Say, “Have your friendships felt a bit like a rollercoaster lately?” Give them a chance to share their experiences.
- Remind them of Friendship Fact #1: No friendship (or relationship) is perfect. With your handout, choose a friend in your life and complete it in front of your child. Explain your highs, lows, and tricky twists.
- Now get your child to choose a friend and complete their handout.
- Explain to your child or teen that a healthy friendship has a 5:1 ratio of postive to negative interactions. Like a weigh scale, it’s important that the HIGHS outweigh the LOWs. Remind them that they deserve healthy friendships that are on the Green-Zone of The Friend-o-Meter!
Next Steps
“People start to heal the moment they feel heard.” Discuss what that quote means and encourage your child to continue sharing their rollercoaster of emotions with you!
Source: https://urstrong.com/resource/friendship-is-a-rollercoaster/