The Importance of Coaching Your Child through Friendship Challenges 

Navigating friendships can be really challenging for your little one. It can be tempting to jump in and solve their challenges, especially because we don't like seeing them upset and often, the solution is pretty obvious (to you!). But coaching your child through friendship challenges helps them build confidence and develop lifelong skills. When your child next comes to you with a friendship challenge, listen attentively without interrupting and try the following.

• Show no judgement. Consider your tone of voice and respond curiously.
• After listening, repeat everything they told you without adding your opinion. This shows you've heard and understood them.
• Assure them that friendship challenges are meant to feel challenging: 'I would find that difficult too. I also might've felt ____. Is this how you feel?'
• Ask curious questions - questions that don't end with a yes or no response. 'What do you think you might say next time? How are you thinking of handling it?' If you get an 'I don't know' or a response that needs a little more building, this is the time to coach through the challenge.
• Start your suggestions with 'what do you think about this idea?'
• Encourage assertive communication. Encourage your child to think empathetically.

 It's okay if your child doesn't respond well to something you've said! Acknowledge where you went wrong and show them you're willing to make it right. This not only builds trust but also models healthy conflict resolution.