When Your Kid Struggles with Friendship

When your kid struggles with freindships - Aussie Dadding

Ah, kids and friendships. They’re like a never-ending drama series with more plot twists than you can keep up with. One minute, your kid is best mates with someone, the next minute, they’re off the friendship roster. As dads, it can be tough watching your kid go through friendship challenges, and while it's all part of the process, there are a few ways dad can play hero.

Listen, Don’t Lecture

First thing’s first: your kid doesn’t need another lecture. They just need someone to listen. It’s easy to jump in and solve everything for them, but sometimes they just need to vent. Let them talk it out, without interrupting with the “I know exactly what you should do…” speeches. Give them space to process it.

Validate Their Feelings

When they’re feeling left out or bummed, don’t brush it off with, “It’s not a big deal.” Acknowledge their feelings and let them know, “I can see how that would really hurt.” Sometimes, all they need is to feel heard.

Help Them Problem-Solve

Once your kid’s aired it all out, give them the reins. Instead of offering your solution straight away, try asking, “What do you think would help?” or “What do you think you could do next?” Getting them to think through it will give them ownership and help them tackle the problem head-on.

Teach Empathy

You’d be surprised how much drama starts over misunderstandings. Ask your kid, “How do you think your friend feels about this?” It’s all about teaching empathy and showing them that every situation has more than one side. Plus, it’s a great life skill.

Encourage New Friendships

Not every friendship’s meant to be forever. It might just be time for a change. Encourage your kid to meet new people—whether it’s through sport, a new hobby, or simply stepping out of their comfort zone. Sometimes, a fresh face can bring some much-needed energy.

"Friendships help children develop important social and emotional skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Through friendships, kids learn how to share, communicate, and navigate conflict, which all contribute to their sense of well-being and self-worth."

– Dr. Laura Markham, Clinical Psychologist and Parenting Expert.

Friendships come and go, but a dad’s advice? That’s the real keeper. Help them navigate the highs and lows of their social life, and you’re not just helping them through today’s drama—you’re setting them up for stronger, smoother relationships in the future.

DADDING IN ACTION

Ask your kid how they’re feeling about their friends and let them talk it out.

RESOURCES:

Book: "How to Be a Friend: A Guide to Making Friends and Keeping Them" by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown – A practical guide for kids to help them navigate friendships, offering strategies on how to make and keep friends.
Podcast: "The Longest Shortest Time" – A parenting podcast that provides valuable insights on childhood development, including episodes on social challenges like friendships.