Celebrating National Best Friends Day: The Meaning of Friendship
Teach your child the meaning of friendship by celebrating National Best Friends Day on June 8th! Friends are what carry us on in life, and your child should learn how to be a good friend. This holiday is a special way to show friends how much they mean to you. Here’s how you can teach your child the meaning of friendship, and how to celebrate the day!
Be Social and Make Friends
Making friends can be difficult, especially as your child gets older. Break down barriers and any social anxiety your child may be feeling. Encourage her to be social and initiate friendships. Have her introduce herself to her peers, and set up virtual playdates or study sessions due to social distancing. Show her that socializing doesn’t have to be scary!
Set a Good Example
Your child will learn how to be a good friend by watching your interactions with your own friends. If you talk badly about your friends or skip out on plans, that sets a bad example for your child. Be kind to your friends and appropriate in front of your child. Committing to plans is a great way to show friends that you honor their friendship.
Read Books
Some of your child’s favorite books may already incorporate themes of friendship. Books like “Winnie the Pooh” and “Charlotte’s Web” are great examples of literature that discusses companionship. Use books like these as resources and an opportunity to create a dialogue about how those friendships worked.
Appreciation Activities
We often get busy in our lives, but be sure to show your child how to take time for friends. Play the compliment game where your child and her friends sit in a circle, pass a beanbag around, and give out compliments. While social distancing, the game can be played on a video call. This activity boosts self-esteem and helps them create a bond. Make sure you give your child time to FaceTime or call her friends. Set aside at least 30 minutes a day from studying and chores to allow her to build upon her friendship. You can also create friendship necklaces and jewelry together that she can gift to her favorite people!
With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a Titusville Catholic school, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop to their full potential. Students foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and are equipped for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.