School-Age Children: Friendships & Social Skills (Ages 6-12)
Building strong bonds and fostering kindness, respect, and confidence in every child
Making friends and playing with others is a fun part of growing up! Relationships at this age can be with friends, siblings, or other family members. When these relationships are healthy, they make you feel happy, safe, and respected. But sometimes, friendships or family relationships can be confusing, especially if someone is mean or makes you feel upset. Unhealthy relationships might hide behind blame or make you feel badly, and it can be hard to tell the difference. That is why it is important to learn what healthy relationships look like and how they should make you feel.
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Healthy Relationships:
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Unhealthy Relationships:
What are Boundaries?
Boundaries are the limits you set about what is okay and not okay for you. For example, boundaries include how close someone can stand near you, what kind of touch you’re comfortable with, topics you’re willing to discuss, or how much time you want to spend with someone. When someone ignores your boundaries, it might look like they touch you when you're not comfortable, pressure you to do things you don’t want to, or invade your personal space without permission. Respecting boundaries means listening when you say "no" and honoring what makes you feel safe and comfortable. |
Remember, friendships are important and knowing what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like can help you make good choices. By learning these signs, you can understand what good friendships are and what to do if a friendship doesn’t make you feel good or safe. Always trust your feelings, and don’t be afraid to talk to someone you trust if you’re unsure or need help. Building friendships based on kindness and respect makes you feel happy and safe!
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Think About This:
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What Can You Do if Things Feel Unfair or Unkind?
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Need Help or Someone to Talk To?
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A Note for Parents and Caregivers
Children learn about relationships by watching the adults around them. Modeling respectful, caring, and healthy interactions with your friends, family, and others sets a powerful example for your children to follow.
Children learn about relationships by watching the adults around them. Modeling respectful, caring, and healthy interactions with your friends, family, and others sets a powerful example for your children to follow.
Tips:
Important: If your own relationships are unhealthy—such as involving disrespect, controlling behaviors, or emotional or physical hurt—your child may learn that these behaviors are normal. This can increase the risk of them forming unhealthy relationships in the future, which might lead to emotional harm or even abuse.
Remember: By fostering positive relationship habits at home, you help your children build the skills they need to form safe, respectful, and loving connections with their friends, classmates, and future partners.
- Show respect, kindness, and honesty in your relationships.
- Communicate openly and listen actively.
- Manage conflicts calmly and respectfully.
- Set boundaries and respect others' boundaries.
- Support your partner’s and others’ interests and goals.
Important: If your own relationships are unhealthy—such as involving disrespect, controlling behaviors, or emotional or physical hurt—your child may learn that these behaviors are normal. This can increase the risk of them forming unhealthy relationships in the future, which might lead to emotional harm or even abuse.
Remember: By fostering positive relationship habits at home, you help your children build the skills they need to form safe, respectful, and loving connections with their friends, classmates, and future partners.
