I often think about what I want my daughter to know about friendship.
Even before she was born, she would kick and move in my belly whenever we were around big groups of people. She was social before birth! Now, as she’s getting older and more independent, there are some things that I want to share with her. Most importantly, I want her to know just how important friendships really are…
25 Secrets I Want My Daughter to Know About Friendship
1. It’s okay for your friends to have friends other than you.
2. Friends grow apart, but best friends come back together.
3. Remember the details, dreams, and passions that your friends have…
4. But, be wary of the people who don’t remember yours.
5. If someone doesn’t want to be your friend, that’s okay. Better to find out now.
6. Best friends are special – treat them with the upmost care.
7. You are a reflection of your friends, so choose wisely.
8. Jealously and mistrust ruins friendships.
9. Not everyone will love you. You can’t change that, but you’re in charge of who you focus your time on – choose the ones who love you too.
10. Don’t waste precious love and time on the people who mistreat you or who don’t want anything to do with you.
11. Some friendships happen instantly and others take time – there’s no right way to meet a friend.
12. Don’t worry about everyone who’s talking about boyfriends and girlfriends, one of the most important jobs when your young is learning how to make friends. It’s a skill you’ll never regret learning.
13. Be undeniably happy for friends when they have success…even if it means that you didn’t.
14. Friends get upset with each other, but that doesn’t mean that your friendship is over.
15. There are times when you’ll learn more from your friends than you do from us – yep, friends are that important.
16. The best friends in your life will find you again and it will feel like no time passed at all.
17. A true test of friendship is knowing how they talk about you when you’re not in the room.
18. Trust you’re gut – if you’re not sure about someone, be brave enough to walk away.
19. It’s okay to be alone and wait for an amazing friend to come along. It’s worth the wait.
20. Never stop searching for friends, no matter how old you are.
21. Not everyone will want to be your friend the way you want them to be.
22. Seek out friends that you like to be with, not friends that you think make you look cool or popular.
23. It’s okay to have a break for a while. Be patient for the friends you love them most and they’ll come back.
24. Friends can be like family.
25. Life is more fun with friends.
Laura @ Little Bits of Granola says
These are fantastic. I honestly wish someone had taught me these things when I was a kid. I was a shy and insecure kid and always had trouble making true friends, so number 12 really hit me. Now that I’m a mom, I’m always afraid my girls will have the same struggles and end up with “friends” who treat them poorly. This was a really great read – thanks for sharing. 🙂
Katie Joiner says
Thanks so much, Laura. I think we often forget that making friends is a skill and something that kids have to learn and work on. It’s something that we work on well throughout adulthood, too! Thanks again for the kind words 🙂
Justine says
This is definitely on point! Great tips for me to share with my baby girl! Thanks for the great advice!!
Katie Joiner says
Thanks, Justine 🙂