Though talking about friendships doesn't seem like the "stickiest" topic, we have found in experience that there can be many sticky conversations surrounding friendships (especially with girls). Hurt feelings, bad influences, and handling fights or bad behavior are all examples of things that parents have to help their kids navigate with friends, and Stef shares from an abundance of wisdom and experience about how she handles friendships with her kids.
As with sex, we find that starting conversations with your kids early about how to be a good friend (sharing, not hitting, etc.) is the best way to open the door to future conversations about deeper issues. We also find that examining your own relationships (with God, your husband, and friends) helps us to be able to teach our children honestly and vulnerably. Listen in for examples, ideas, and thoughts on godly friendship and how to teach it to our kids!
The book that Steph refers to is called Growing Friendships by Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore and Christine McLaughlin.
