How To Teach Friendship To a Child

Friends are honest I know this is true. I am honest, how about you?

Friendship Frog is one of the nine Characters of Character. Our characters teach our children and youth strong civic values and when friends are honest, they are less likely to be bullied, rejected or even ignored. Find your tribe! Surround yourself with people who you trust, who are honest and who you can be yourself with. People who make you laugh and bring out the best in you!

However, how do we teach our children and youth to be a friend? How do we teach our children and youth what an honest friendship is? Things seem to be much different in today's society. When I was a little girl if a friend said something mean to you or about you, first you cried, and then you talked about it. So much is taken out of context today in so many different ways.

Communication is key! I always volunteered in my kids schools and classrooms because I loved doing it, but also because I learned first hand who the other kids were. Be that fly on the wall if you're able to, see who your kids are talking about, who they want to be around, etc. When they are young they are much easier to redirect if you will and by building a firm foundation to build upon with a child is so important. We must build trust, we must communicate with them in a way that they will understand and we must be present for them. Nothing brought me more happiness as a young mom than being involved in my kids life!

Your child can be a role model to their peers or siblings and represent honesty. I'm a firm believer that when friendships are honest and sincere there is less drama, heartbreak and chaos. After all, we want our kids to make good choices, to be good people and to do what is right, not what is always easy. Can we surround our self with just any one? Of course! But why would we? When we have to pretend to like something, some place or some one, it drains you. When you can be yourself with others, you will grow as a person, you will embrace honesty and your communication skills and social skills will flourish!

Learn more about Friendship Frog here.