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A Parent's Guide to Teens: The Growing Season Video and Guide
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Note: This is a Web Sampler. More information and how to order is available here. |
Friends and Peers
Friends are everything to teens. Parents can help their teen
find the way through the maze of friends, peers, and the popular
group.
Teens and Their Close Friendships
The importance of friends to teens is well documented. Teens
often describe their best friends as the ones who "understand
exactly how I feel and will stick by me no matter what."
They also indicate that a best friend treats them as an equal
and is someone they trust enough to share dreams, fears, and
embarrassing moments with.
Following are some hints you may find helpful when talking
to your teens about keeping friends, changing friends, and
making new friends.
Keeping Friends
Teens, just like adults, often say, "a good friend is
hard to come by." Being a good friend is the best way
for your teen to keep a friend. Remind your teen that a good
way to judge how to treat best friends is to ask "Would
I like my friend to do that to me?"
Tips for keeping friends.
- Share with each other.
- Work out conflicts and find compromises.
- Enjoy common interests together.
- Be a good listener.
- Be supportive.
- Help your friends feel good about themselves.
Getting
the most out of the Friends and Peers video segment
While you watch the video think about:
- The importance of friends in your teen's life.
- The influence you, peers, and others have on your teen.
- Ways to help your teen fit into different groups.
- How to help your teen deal with peer pressure.
After viewing, discuss the information with your partner,
teen, and others.
