Secrets of Great Friendships
© 2008 Resources for Educators
by Rod Wittmer
March 04, 2008
Making friends means having special people to share life’s ups and downs with. Teens can learn to find — and keep — friends by treating them like treasures. Share these tips with your child.
Be a good
listener. Let others talk as much about their lives as
you do about yours. Show them you'll be there if they need you.
Make a point of calling just to say “hi,” not only when you need
something. Be trustworthy. Keep friends’ confidence by guarding
their secrets. (If you think a friend is in danger, though, tell a
trusted adult.) Also, avoid talking about your friends behind their
backs. If others say something that isn't nice, refuse to
join in.
Be happy for their
success. It’s easy to feel jealous of a friend’s
success, such as making a team when you don't. But true
friends can put on a smile and congratulate each other, even when
they're disappointed. Your friend will feel loved and can return
the favor when you have good news.
Be a partner in fun. Put your heads together to come up with great things to do. Throw a surprise party for a mutual friend’s birthday, create a “do it yourself” spa, or organize a touch football game in the backyard. After all, the best part of friendship is sharing good times.
