Well with Alice

The F is for... Family and Friends!

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return" - Nat King Cole, Nature Boy

It is so important for our wellbeing to have people who love us around us. For many people, this is what their family is to them. Home is the place where you can be yourself and be loved no matter what. Others also (or sometimes, sadly, instead) have friends that they feel this safe with. This is a beautiful thing.

Having strong social connections in your life will prevent isolation and loneliness and increase your sense of belonging. When there are people to celebrate good things with you and support you with difficult things, you are more likely to be happy and your stress level will likely be lowered. Having friends also improves ones self-confidence and friendships help to teach life skills such as effective communication and conflict resolution.

Because we understand the importance of social connection, we have started a social skills group with some grade 2 boys. Every Wednesday at lunch time, we get together and learn how to make friends and be a good friend. In later terms we hope to expand this group connection and start some other groups as well. The Friendology program is also tuning into this need.

Here are some ideas for what you can do as a parent to encourage your child to have strong friendships:

Firstly, be a safe person yourself. Make sure your child knows that they are loved, no matter what.

Secondly, show interest in your child's friends. Facilitate playdates, ask them how their friends are doing, etcetera.

Thirdly, teach your child social skills. Understanding emotions, being able to listen and take turns, sharing and resolving conflict are skills that are so important for thriving friendships!

All the best, and may you and your family enjoy strong family and friendship connections,

Ms. Alice Romijn

School Chaplain/Wellbeing Officer

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860

https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/connecting-communicating/connecting/supporting-friendships 

https://www.sparktheirfuture.qld.edu.au/five-ways-positive-friendships-can-help-your-child-at-school-and-in-life/