Day 53 Friendships

53. Friendships:

To many people, friendships are the easiest thing in the world. They are uncomplicated and positive but there are many other people, adults and children alike, who struggle with friendships. Teens can find friendships even more difficult as the teenage years are a time of change. Teens often change schools and develop new friendships at around this time and peer pressure is very significant.

If your teen finds friendships difficult, reassure them that they are not alone in this. Let them talk and be prepared to listen. Sometimes they fall out with their friends. To you the reason many appear trivial but to them it can seem like the end of the world. Again, take them seriously, listen and reassure them.

Sometimes your teen has no issue with their friends, it is you that does not approve of their friendship. It may be that a certain teenager has a bad reputation and you may worry that they may become a bad influence.

Try not to jump to conclusions. What proof do you have of your concerns? Sometimes the information that circulates about some young people can be greatly exaggerated or completely untrue. Try and get to know your teenagers friends and make your own mind up.

If a teenager is leading your teenager astray and does not respond to warnings from you then it may

be time to intervene. Make clear your concerns to your teen and set your expectations. It may be that you are willing to let their friend come round to your house a limited number of times per week but you are not willing to let them socialise away from home, for example.