We’re a few weeks into the school year, and most parents of teenagers have likely noticed their children adjusting to this year’s social dynamics, forming new friendships, and strengthening existing ones. As teens navigate the challenges of adolescence, friendships become central to their social development, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. As a parent, you can play a key role in helping your teen form healthy friendships that will support their growth and development.
During adolescence (ages 13-17 years), the brain undergoes significant development, particularly in areas related to social behavior, decision-making, and emotional regulation. As a result, teens become more sensitive to social feedback and peer relationships. Friendships during this stage are essential for helping teens develop critical social skills, form their identities, and gain independence. However, because peers have a strong influence during this time, the quality of these friendships can also shape a teen’s choices, behaviors, and overall well-being.
Positive peer relationships can encourage healthy behaviors, boost self-esteem, and provide emotional support. If your child is in a healthy friendship, you’ll notice:
An unhealthy friendship can be a drain on your child’s time, energy, and growth. If you notice any of the signs below, it may be time to have a realistic talk with your teen about what they’re getting out of the friendship:
Create a safe environment where your teen feels comfortable discussing their friendships and social experiences without fear of judgment. Ask open-ended questions to encourage sharing, such as, “How do you feel about your friend group?” or “What do you enjoy most about your new friends?” Listen actively and validate their feelings, helping them reflect on their social interactions and relationships.
Teens often learn how to build and maintain relationships by observing their parents. Model healthy friendships in your own life by showing empathy, practicing active listening, and demonstrating effective conflict resolution. Be a role model for setting boundaries and respecting others, showing your teen how to create balanced and supportive friendships.
Help your teen develop emotional intelligence by discussing feelings, empathy, and how to navigate social challenges. Encourage them to practice skills such as active listening, assertiveness, and managing peer pressure. Role-playing common social scenarios can help them prepare for real-life situations, such as how to handle conflicts or how to stand up to negative peer pressure.
As much as you may want to forbid your child from being friends with someone who is harming them, that will likely have the opposite effect. Instead of taking away their agency, empower your teen to make their own choices about friendships while providing guidance on recognizing healthy and unhealthy dynamics. Encourage them to think critically about their social interactions and potential consequences. Discuss scenarios that might arise and help them brainstorm ways to handle challenging situations, reinforcing their ability to make sound decisions.
Support your teen in finding positive peer engagement opportunities by encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, clubs, or sports that align with their interests. These environments allow teens to meet like-minded peers and form friendships based on shared interests and values. Encourage them to be inclusive, kind, and open to forming diverse friendships.
While it’s important to respect your teen’s independence, it’s also crucial to stay observant of their friendships. Provide gentle guidance if you notice concerning patterns, such as isolation, withdrawal, or signs of negative peer pressure. Have open discussions about what makes a good friend and why it’s important to surround themselves with positive influences who respect and support them.
Above all, encourage your teen to be patient and practice self-compassion as they navigate these changes. Suggest small steps, like joining a club or team, to ease into new social settings and meet peers with shared interests. Remind them that building meaningful friendships takes time and that it’s okay to take things slow.
Helping teens build healthy friendships during adolescence is crucial for their social, emotional, and cognitive development. As a parent, your role is to guide, support, and model the behaviors that help them form positive, meaningful relationships as they approach adulthood. Encourage open communication, teach essential social skills, and provide subtle guidance to help your teen navigate the complexities of friendships. If you need further support in helping your teen develop healthy friendships and social skills, Medens Health is here to help with therapy for adolescents. We have a large, diverse team of mental health providers experienced in supporting teenagers, with both in-person and virtual therapy available.Reach out to our friendly team to learn more about our services for adolescents and their families.
Get started here, call or text (833) 624-5400, or fill out our contact form today!
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information this blog provides is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions regarding your medical or mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who is qualified to give you safe, professional, and ethical advice regarding your mental health.
If you or someone you are responsible for is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should call 9-1-1 and/or take them to the nearest emergency room.
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