Teenage Friendships: Insights and Strategies for Parents

Teenage friendships are a pivotal stage of adolescent development. When friendships are stable, they can bring immense joy, but when teens struggle with them, as many do, it can significantly affect self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being. In this week’s session, we spoke with parenting expert and psychologist, Dr. Maryhan, about the hidden dynamics of teenage relationships and how to provide the right support to help teens navigate the complexities of their social lives.

 The Importance of Communication

Open and honest communication is essential in guiding teens through the emotional challenges of changing or losing friendships. Regular conversations about friendships, not just when issues arise, can help teens understand that friendships naturally evolve over time. Encouraging teens to recognise the qualities and values of a good friendship, such as trust, honesty, and mutual respect, can provide a solid foundation for their social interactions. It also helps them understand that their friendships should align with their values.

Addressing Peer Pressure

Teens are susceptible to peer pressure due to a desire to fit in and be accepted. Helping them stay grounded in their core values and self-identity can reduce their vulnerability to negative influences. Encouraging a broad base of friendships across different areas of their lives, such as school, hobbies, and family connections, can provide a more balanced perspective and mitigate the impact of peer pressure.

Managing Conflicts and Misunderstandings

Conflicts and misunderstandings are inevitable in any relationship. They often arise from miscommunication, especially when many conversations happen on their phones. Teaching teens to view situations from different perspectives and seek clarification can prevent miscommunications from escalating. Role-playing scenarios at home can equip teens with the conversational skills needed to address conflicts constructively.

Supporting Neurodiverse Teens

Neurodiverse teens may find socialising particularly exhausting and challenging. It's important to support them in ways that align with their needs and preferences. Celebrating their individual qualities and helping them take small steps towards building friendships can make them feel more confident and accepted for who they are.

Dealing with Bullying and Exclusion

Bullying and exclusion can really  impact on a teen's mental health and it's important to help them find their own voice and seek support from trusted adults at school and home, to manage these very difficult situations. It is also important to be able to distinguish between systematic bullying and isolated incidents of unkind behaviour, to that each gets addressed appropriately. 

Encouraging Healthy Friendships

Expect your teen to make some poor friendship choices along the way. Building their self-esteem and helping them understand the qualities of a good friend can guide them towards more balanced relationships. It's also important to recognise that friendships can change over time and that not everyone will be a close friend, which is perfectly normal.

Teenage friendships are a big part of a young person's life, influencing their development and well-being. By maintaining open communication and encouraging healthy friendships, parents and caregivers can help find 'their tribe' and move through the complexities of their social world. Remember, the journey to building strong, positive friendships takes time and patience, but we all know it's worth it.

"Friendships have their seasons and reasons, but it’s about helping them be able to identify the things that they can tangibly recognise as a good friendship, and one that isn't."

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