Family and Social Health: Interpersonal Relationships
Friendships develop in stages: Acquaintances Companions Friends Making and keeping friends Children who make friends like school more and do better in school Friendships protect children from the adverse effects of negative events. Having friends encourages emotional growth, moral development and self exploration
Can lead to: Emotional stress Low self esteem Dropping out of school Negative interaction skills Children at risk of having no friends are: Impulsive disruptive withdrawn aggressive
Set an example Know your child's friends Invite other children to your home Encourage your child to make new friends Talk to children about social relationships Parent-child relationships Play with children in a “peer-like” manner
Peter, V. Herron, R. (1998) A Good Friend: How to Make One, How to Be One. Boys Town. Boys Town Press Waters, J. (2002) Be a Good Friend! Minneapolis, Compass Point Books Mize,J. Abell, E.(1988) Encouraging Social Skills in Young Children: Tips Teachers Can Share with Parents Retrieved October 23, 2011, from Nelson-Mitchell, L. (2007) Family Times Newsletter Retrieved October 24, 2011, from