Anti-Bullying Week is a great chance to talk to your daughter about friendships and relationships. Growing up can be tricky, especially with the pressures of school and social media. Knowing what makes a good friendship – and spotting the signs of a bad one – can make all the difference.
As parents, we play a big part in helping our daughters learn these important life skills. Let’s look at some simple ways you can guide and support your child.
What Makes a Healthy Friendship?
Good friendships are built on trust, kindness, and respect. A healthy friendship helps your daughter feel happy and confident. Encourage her to think about these questions:
Does my friend make me feel good about myself?
Do I feel included and supported?
Here are a few things to look for in healthy friendships:
Respect for Each Other: Friends should listen and care about each other’s feelings.
Celebrating, Not Competing: A good friend will cheer you on, not try to outdo you.
Honest and Open: Friends can talk about their feelings without fear of being judged.
What to Watch Out for in Friendships
Not all friendships are good for your daughter, and that’s okay. It’s important she knows how to spot the warning signs, like:
Controlling Behaviour: If a friend tells her what to do or pressures her into things.
Exclusion or Gossip: Friends shouldn’t leave her out or talk behind her back.
Lack of Respect: A friend who mocks or ignores her feelings isn’t a true friend.
Teach your daughter to set boundaries and to talk to you or another trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right.
How You Can Help as a Parent
Be a Role Model
Show your daughter what healthy relationships look like by being kind, respectful, and understanding in your own interactions.
Keep the Conversation Going
Create a safe space where she can talk to you about her friendships. Try asking:
Who do you like spending time with at school?
Has anyone upset you this week?
Teach Kindness and Empathy
Help her understand how her actions affect others. Talk about why it’s important to treat people with kindness.
Build Her Confidence
Praise her achievements and encourage her to try new things. Confident girls are less likely to put up with bad behaviour from others.
Help with Social Media
Social media can be a big part of your daughter’s life, but it’s also a place where bullying can happen. Set clear rules and talk about being kind online.
Why Self-Worth Matters
When your daughter feels good about herself, she’s more likely to stand up for what’s right and less likely to accept bad treatment from others. Support her interests and remind her of her strengths – every little boost helps.
Join the Serenity For Girls Online Academy!
At Serenity for Girls, we’re here to help parents and girls with life’s ups and downs. Our NEW online academy is packed with tools and workshops to build confidence, strengthen friendships, and make growing up that little bit easier.
Get in touch to find out more about how we can support you and your daughter.
This Anti-Bullying Week, let’s help our girls build strong, happy friendships and grow into confident young women! 💜
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