Helping your child to be a good friend

For your child, starting secondary school can be a time of both excitement and uncertainty, especially when it comes to making friends and finding their place in the school community. Social inclusion is important for their well-being, and learning how to navigate friendships and manage conflict is a big part of this process.

Making Friends and Being Inclusive

One of the first steps to social inclusion is making an effort to reach out and be friendly. Encourage your child to talk to new people, even if it feels a bit awkward at first. They might like to join clubs, participate in class activities, or simply sit with someone new at lunch. Remind them that friendships often start with small conversations, that showing kindness can go a long way and that inclusion means being welcoming to others who might feel left out too.

Qualities of a Good Friend

Your child should understand that a good friend is someone who listens, supports them, and makes them feel valued. It’s important they look for friends who respect their boundaries and share their values. A good friend is there in both the fun and tough times, and they should be willing to do the same for their friends, too. Loyalty, honesty, and trust are key qualities to look for when building strong friendships.

Managing Friendship Groups and Conflict

In secondary school, friendship groups can sometimes be tricky to navigate. There might be moments of misunderstanding or conflict, and that’s okay. The key is to encourage your child to communicate openly and respectfully when issues arise. If a conflict happens, remind them to stay calm, listen to the other person’s side, and express how you feel without blaming anyone. It’s important they recognise that no friendship is perfect, and resolving disagreements in a healthy way can make the relationship even stronger.

Ultimately, being kind, inclusive, and thoughtful in their approach to friendships can help your child avoid social exclusion and build meaningful connections that will support them throughout their school years.