It is essential to teach them to accept others and empathise. As parents, guiding them to choose friends who will support their growth and be there in difficult times is crucial.
As Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, said, humans are social animals. Our social life significantly influences our physical and mental health. People like to share their lives with others, aiming for significance and safety in the company of supportive and accepting individuals.
When children transition from primary to secondary school, new friendships emerge. Adolescents start looking for people they can trust, turning to friends for advice as they become more independent. This is a crucial step in preparing them to trust others outside the family once they become young adults, helping form a sense of identity beyond the family nest.
During the teenage years, developing healthy and supportive friendships is vital. The quality of these friendships influences teenagers physically, socially, and emotionally during rapid developmental changes. It is essential to teach them to accept others and empathise. As parents, guiding them to choose friends who will support their growth and be there in difficult times is crucial.
Forming friendships during adolescence can be challenging due to old friends moving away, differing maturity levels, and the search for a new adult identity. Insecurities and doubts about acceptance can also make this process difficult.
Supportive and positive friendships can significantly impact how teenagers adapt to new environments and navigate adolescence. Teaching adolescents to choose healthy friendships and establish boundaries based on their values is essential
Dr Emma Allende
When supported by peers, they become more resilient to negative peer pressure, gain a sense of acceptance, and establish a baseline for beliefs, romantic relationships, and future adult interactions. A diverse range of friendships during adolescence helps develop necessary social skills and emotional intelligence, contributing to success in various social scenarios.
Positive friendships with moral values foster caring and compassionate behaviour. When adolescents feel listened to and supported by their peers, they gain confidence as they transition into adulthood. These friendships are vital for support when teenagers face problems they do not want to share with their parents, such as new hobbies and fashion advice.
Parents might notice their teens’ desire to fit in with popular peers, even if these relationships are not the most advisable. Having open conversations about healthy friendships, listening actively and non-judgementally, and remembering their own adolescent experiences can help.
Understanding their teen’s behaviour, such as trying new ways of dressing and mimicking friends, is crucial. Teaching them to choose healthy friendships and establish boundaries based on their values is essential.
Healthy friendships help adolescents cope with stress, improve contentment, and develop stable self-esteem and well-being. They protect against bullying and isolation, enhancing mental health and feelings of integration.
