Resources for Caregivers with Children Navigating Friendship Losses
Breaking off a friendship or drifting apart can be challenging no matter the age, but it can be especially difficult for young children, affecting the way they think about themselves and future relationships.
The Child Mind Institute has put together a list of resources about friend breakups that aim to help children when they’re struggling.
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For young people, losing a friend can feel like a personal rejection - even if that’s not the case. To help cope with the feelings of rejection, caregivers should validate children’s feelings and eventually encourage them to see a painful experience as an opportunity for growth.
Friendship problems can be even more difficult for children who already struggle to make friends, whether they are lonely or have trouble navigating social situations.
Among the resources is an episode of the Thriving Kids podcast in which psychologist Dave Anderson, PhD, answers questions about parenting teens and interacting with their friends. The episode includes tips on how to help a child build healthier relationships.
The Child Mind Institute’s resources include: