HELPING KIDS HANDLE FRIENDSHIPS AND SOCIAL CONFLICTS

From playground squabbles to friendship fallouts, social struggles are part of growing up. How can you help your child learn to navigate them with confidence?

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Friendships are a huge part of childhood. Whether it's the classmate kids sit with every day, the neighbour they build dens with or the cousin they see on weekends, children are constantly learning how to connect, share, compromise and resolve disagreements.

However, friendship isn’t always straightforward. One week, your child’s best friend might be glued to their side, and the next, they're declaring they'll never speak to each other again. As parents, it can be hard to know when to step in and when to let kids figure it out - or how to give the right kind of guidance without overstepping.

The good news is, these ups and downs aren't just normal - they're actually important. Social conflicts offer children valuable opportunities to develop their emotional intelligence, build up resilience and practise their empathy. The key is in helping little ones feel supported, heard and equipped with tools to handle the bumps along the way.

VALIDATE THEIR FEELINGS

Whether it's a playground disagreement or being left out of a birthday party, your child’s social struggles are very real to them - even if they seem minor from an adult perspective. It’s best to resist the urge to brush it off. Instead, meet kids where they are and try to acknowledge what they're feeling. Saying things like “That sounds really upsetting” or “I can see why you'd feel left out” are great for validating their emotions, showing your son or daughter that their experiences matter and that it’s safe to talk to you. That sense of safety is so important, especially as they grow older and the issues become more complex.

DON’T RUSH TO FIX IT