Friendship Tips for Parents and Children  

Don’t Allow Teasing-- Building Respect and Responsibility in Children

Although teasing is fairly common among children, that doesn’t make it okay. It is important to discourage teasing because it can hurt feelings and friendships among children. The old saying "Kids will be Kids" isn’t an acceptable excuse. When teasing occurs among children, it can easily escalate to a more serious level. For more tips on friendship, visit www.mcgruff.org

Source: "Raising Streetwise Kids," McGruff, http://www.mcgruff.org

What should I do about someone who keeps on picking on me? Click here to find out some great ways to stop bullies from picking on you or one of your friends

Making and Choosing Friends

Take a look around and think about who you would like to be your friend-You may get a good idea about someone from their actions in school, on the playground, or at a community event. Sometimes kids choose someone with the same or similar interests that they have. Friends can be found in your class, on the playground, in religon classes or at sporting events. Friends may like to do the same things that you do, like playing soccar, drawing, reading, or playing video games. Friends don't have to be exactly like you though. People can be friends and teach each other about the different things each person likes to do.

Here are some tips to remember for all Friends

        ***Smile! Smiling let's people know that you are interested in being friendly, and shows them that you are approachable. Someone who frowns or looks bored doesn't look like they are looking for a friend to play with.

        ***Say Something Nice to Someone. Comment on how someone gave a good answer to a teacher's questions, or made a good catch in gym class. Let a person know if you like their shirt, or a drawing made in art class. When people say positive things they seem friendly and nice to be around. Just make sure that when you give someone a compliment you mean it!

        ***Ask Questions About the Person   Some general questions to ask could be:

                            What's your favorite sport?        

                            What do you like to do after school?      

                             Who's your favorite singer?             

                            What kind of food do you like best?     

                            Do you have a favorite game?

       ***Answer Questions the Person Asks- If someone asks you something, be ready to answer them. They really are interested in finding about you too. If you don't say anything, a possible friend may think you don't like them enough to answer them.

        ***Be Trustworthy!    If you tell a person you will do something with them, make sure you stick to your word. If a friend tells you something important, don't go around telling everyone else you know unless your friend says it's ok.