Our classes are once again participating in the URStrong Friendology program this year, featuring a new and exciting curriculum for each of our year levels. I sent a message through Compass reminding parents and caregivers that they have free access to the resources available in the Parent Portal. I hope that as a Holy Spirit family, you will reinforce the important messages of empowerment, self-compassion, and kindness at home. Most year levels have been introduced to and are currently working with the Friend-o-Meter, which is a valuable tool to help our children (and some adults) understand the differences between healthy and unhealthy friendships.

Below is a summary of tips for supporting children in managing challenging friendships, written by Dana Kerford. 
One of our favourite tools for discussing feelings in friendships with kids is The Friend-o-Meter. Friendships naturally ebb and flow, and it's normal for them to dip into the Red-Zone occasionally. However, what happens when a friendship frequently moves between the Green-Zone and the Red-Zone? Many children can relate to the experience of a friendship that often feels unpredictable and exhausting. 

These high-conflict friendships can be particularly challenging, both for the child and for their parents and teachers. When kids fluctuate between calling someone their “Best Friend” and declaring they’re no longer invited to birthday parties, it can leave everyone feeling frustrated and confused. 

To help a child navigate this kind of friendship, the first step is to gauge how deeply it affects them. Are they upset? Struggling with it? If not, they might just need time to work out the dynamics of their social interactions. Strong personalities often clash, creating what we refer to as ‘Fiery Friendships’. The key is to ensure that the good moments in the friendship outnumber the bad ones. If they can manage their “Friendship Fires” effectively, they may just be on the path to a lasting bond. 

If a child is truly distressed, strategies like spending less time together or learning to communicate openly with their friend can be beneficial. Encouraging them to recognise the difference between normal conflicts and mean behaviour is essential too. Ultimately, guiding children to foster healthy friendships empowers them to build connections that are both meaningful and supportive.

For the complete article and additional resources, please visit the Parent Portal.