The Secret Superpower of Friendships
Everyone wants to feel like they fit in somewhere. Making strong connections with others helps us feel that way.
Imagine that your child is spending time with a few friends, laughing, chatting, and having a great time. Picture the joy and confidence they feel when they're part of that group, accepted for who they are.
It’s every parent's hope and dream for their children.
Here's the scoop — friendships are so important for our kids' well-being, and good social skills can actually make friendships stronger.
Blum, Lai, Martinez, and Jessee (2022) found in their study, "Adolescent connectedness: cornerstone for health and wellbeing", that having strong friendships during childhood and teenage years can make a huge difference in how our kids feel mentally, emotionally, and physically.
But what does "connectedness" mean?
It means feeling like you belong and that you matter to the people around you. When our kids have strong connections with friends, they're more likely to feel happier, less stressed, and more confident. Plus, they're also more likely to make healthier choices and have better overall health!
In a study by Hall (2019), it was found that having good conversation skills help us make better quality friendships, and these types of connections play a major role in living a happy life.
It’s pretty incredible to know that our kids' friendships have the power to shape not just their social lives, but also their mental and emotional well-being. Friendships are like a secret superpower that helps our kids navigate through life's challenges with a little extra support and love.
So, how can we help our kids unlock the incredible power of friendship and gain all these amazing benefits? We can start by fostering a positive and supportive environment at home where we encourage listening, learning about others, and sharing about ourselves.
If your child is struggling with social skills, conversation skills, or making friends, that's okay! You're not alone, and there are plenty of resources and support available to help them thrive. From social skills specialists, books, classes, and even my upcoming digital conversation skills course!
So, let's celebrate the magic of friendship and the incredible impact it has on our kids' lives by continuing to nurture strong connections and supporting each other so that we can create a world where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.