76. Helping Your Child Navigate Friendships

As children approach adolescence, friendships become an increasingly important part of their lives. But navigating changing friendships, disagreements and the ups and downs of social life can be challenging for children and parents alike.

In this episode, we are joined by Michaela Rajakariar, a Year 6 class teacher at Tangara School for Girls, to explore how parents can guide their children through this important stage of development. They discuss why friendships can change, how children can develop stronger social skills, and the importance of building trust and open communication at home.

Above all, this episode reminds parents that they don't need to solve every friendship challenge for their children. With patience, encouragement and trust, we can help them develop the skills and confidence to build healthy relationships throughout their lives.

 

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding the changes of adolescence: How physical, social and emotional development shapes children's friendships and reactions.
• Building strong friendships: Helping children understand that shared values matter more than shared interests, and that friendships naturally change over time.
• Navigating friendship challenges: How parents can listen, ask open-ended questions and help children reflect on conflict without immediately stepping in to fix it.
• Developing social skills and resilience: Encouraging children to communicate clearly, listen to others, resolve disagreements and learn from their experiences.
• Setting healthy boundaries around technology: Helping children balance online communication with in-person friendships through clear rules, open conversations and family values.
• Partnering with teachers: Knowing when to encourage children to manage situations themselves and when to involve the school, while maintaining tr