3 Tactics to Help Your Teen Build Strong and Positive Friendships
Here's how you're going to help your teen build strong friendships in 2024. ⬇️
1. Activity Hop 🎨⚽️🎭
Encourage your teen to try a variety of clubs, sports teams, and extracurricular activities. Establish a reasonable timeframe for trial and error, acknowledging that not every activity may be the perfect fit. This approach will not only help them uncover their true passions but also allow them to continue exploring until they find their true tribe. You’ll know they found the right place when they are eager to go and feel like they belong.
Example: Your teen loves to sing. Team up with them to research school-based choirs, theater programs, or community music ensembles. Engage your teen in the decision-making process, asking them which option sparks their curiosity the most. Encourage them to research the details of getting involved, empowering them to take the first step. Once they start, check in with them periodically to determine if it’s a good fit.
2. Cheer Them on from the Sidelines
It’s important to create a safe space for your teen to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences about their friendships. Listen attentively, validate their emotions, and withhold your judgment and opinions. Encourage them to consider other perspectives, without taking sides. Then step back and cheer them on from the sidelines.
Example: Your teen comes home crying because they feel excluded from their friend group. Ask them why they feel that way. Listen. Validate their feelings. Ask open-ended questions such as, “what makes you sure that’s what they meant?” “What can you do if that happens again?” “How can I support you through this?” Then show them that they will always be accepted by you.
3. Take Baby Steps 🎉🥳
Help your teen navigate the social landscape by introducing them to small, manageable opportunities to connect with others. This gradual approach enables them to develop social competency at their own pace. When teens feel pressured to make friends or be liked, they fear failing or disappointing us, which fuels their social anxiety. Instead, celebrate their small wins, be patient, and remember true friendships take time.
Example: Your introverted teen is hesitant to join a new club. Validate their concern. Ask them what specific things are worrying them and what would make them feel more secure? Help them come up with a few good open-ended questions to ask someone to get a conversation started. Provide an escape plan, so they feel a sense of control in the situation.
Remember, building strong friendships takes time and effort. Be patient, supportive, and understanding throughout the process. By implementing these practical strategies, you can empower your teen to cultivate meaningful connections and thrive in the social world. 💪
