What Kids Really Need to Know About Making Friends

I desperately wish this book had been available to me growing up.  Especially as an introvert, I have, and still do have, a difficult time making friends.

I placed all my energy into a really small pool of friends. when I was in school  And, when new people entered the circle wanting to compromise the time of one of my best friends, my pool was smaller.  I distinctly remember writing one girl a note (because we didn’t have cell phones back in my day) in an effort to have my best friend returned to me.  I didn’t necessarily want her all to myself, but I did want to have her back in some capacity.  I missed her and hadn’t really connected with anyone else on that level in my life.

In some ways, I’m still that young girl.  I’ve got that one really good friend (even though we don’t talk very often).  And, I have a few friends in different “groups” if you will.  I don’t spend much time with anyone, and I don’t have many very close friends.

So, it stands to reason I’m not the best at teaching my kids about making and keeping friends.  Because of which, I’m thoroughly grateful for Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore & Christine McLaughlin.

As my daughter has entered 1st grade, this book is helping us to build on the friendships she already has while making more friends!

Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  No other compensation was received.  There are affiliate links in this post … your purchases allow me to continue bringing you free content on this website.

Help Kids Build Healthy Friendships

Making Friends

This book does a great job of sharing bits of information to help kids easily make friends.

You know those questions you’ve had about how to handle meeting someone new?  The first chapters break these questions down to help your child figure out the first steps in forming friendships.  It goes further into how to handle any of the awkwardness and giving a new friend some space.

Keeping Friends

One of my longest friendships has taken the most work.  That’s the secret to any relationship though … work.  Making friends is the easiest part of friendships.  Actually learning to compromise or blend into groups takes serious effort.

The last chapters help your child navigate every part of a friendships’ phases, including handling adding friends to their group.

friends being kind, taking turns with games

Personal Observations

I loved how this book used short cartoon style images to show friends in different situations.  It leads your kids through possible choices when handling an issue, allowing them to visualize more than just be told how to make and keep friends.

It’s easy to recognize every one of the situations mentioned in this book and am really pleased with how it’s written for children to navigate friendships.  This is especially appealing since I’ve always had a difficult time with them myself.  I feel more prepared to help my kids make and keep friends … and I may have learned (or been reminded of) a thing or two for my introverted self.

Kids building healthy friendships

It’s important to note that Growing Friendships doesn’t simply want your kids to make tons of friends.  Its purpose is to help your kids build healthy friendships.  Over time, your child should learn what it takes, not only to have a good friend but to be a good friend.

Buy the book!

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