How do we teach kids to be good friends?

It starts by parents watching who their friend group is and how they treat each other. What and who are their peer influences? Do they choose friends wisely? When you sit around the dinner table do they laugh at inappropriate things and do you follow up with conversations?

Is there kindness between kids in their friend group, or derision? Do you call that out? Do they? Do their teachers? Do their coaches?

I was at a soccer game this weekend and one of the 9 year old boys got a ball in the chest that knocked the wind out of him, and I was so impressed because all the boys, on both teams, immediately took a knee. Good example for everyone. (*he was fine :) )

No matter what the sport, the coach, the parents and all the kids, set the tone to be a good friend. Be competitive, but always be a good friend.

When group chats go around talking about one kid in a pejorative manner, teach your kids to say, "I don't want to be part of that.". When someone is sick or hurt teach your kids to be a friend and take that kid home or call an adult for help. Never leave a kid alone. Teach accountability. Model empathy.

Your kids friend group matters. If your kid is hanging with the bad kids, think about it. When your kid goes to college and talks to you about joining a fraternity or sorority or a club that is known for getting into trouble, talk to them before they make a mistake.

Need help finding a school where in addition to strong academics, values and character and being a good friend are looked at and nurtured and worked on?

Contact Wendy Levey Consulting, all things education, preschool through highschool, this is important!