My first book, BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends), grew out of a kids’ friendship program I ran in schools with small groups of students. Participants gained social awareness and skills alongside their peers through activities and conversations in a fun, supportive environment. These friendship groups typically met weekly for six to eight weeks. It’sContinueContinue reading “5 Steps to Start a Friendship Group for Kids”
Tag Archives: Friendship Problems
Cyberbullying Vs. Digital Drama
In the digital lives of preteens and teens, the terms “cyberbullying” and “digital drama” are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences and unique ways to respond to each. Let’s start with a quiz. Quiz: Is it Cyberbullying or Digital Drama? Ava and Itzia are calling each other mean names on social media followingContinueContinue reading “Cyberbullying Vs. Digital Drama”
Five Parenting Insights I Wish I’d Learned Earlier
The author reflects on parenting insights gained over 18 years, acknowledging the learning curve and the impact of these lessons on her daughter’s well-being. She emphasizes the importance of listening, repair, and nurturing confidence in children, with a focus on staying grounded through social challenges and supporting their emerging independence.
Middle School Stuff #9: Peer Pressure
This series of posts explores the tricky side of middle school. Here’s post #9 about Peer Pressure. If you missed earlier posts, here are links: #1 – Judgment, #2 – Friendship Changes, #3 – Popularity, #4 – Crushes & Dating, # 5 – Cliques & Groups, #6 – Gossip, #7 – Social Media and #8ContinueContinue reading “Middle School Stuff #9: Peer Pressure”
Back-to-School and Friendships
It’s back-to-school time, and that means back to friendships, too. For many kids, the return to school and their social worlds is a mix of excitement and worry. Kids may wonder if their friendships will be the same. They may be frustrated with some of their classmates. Or they may feel distraught because their friend isContinueContinue reading “Back-to-School and Friendships”
Middle School Stuff #6: Gossip
This series of posts explores the tricky side of middle school. Here’s post #6 – Gossip. If you missed earlier posts, here are links: #1 – Judgment, #2 – Friendship Changes, #3 – Popularity, #4 – Crushes & Dating, and # 5 – Cliques & Groups. While researching ‘Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised,’ IContinueContinue reading “Middle School Stuff #6: Gossip”
Middle School Stuff #5: Cliques and Groups
This series of posts explores the tricky side of middle school. Here’s post # 5 – Cliques & Groups. If you missed earlier posts, here are links: #1 – Judgment, #2 – Friendship Changes, #3 – Popularity, and #4 – Crushes and Dating. While researching ‘Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised,’ I visited 7th-grade classroomsContinueContinue reading “Middle School Stuff #5: Cliques and Groups”
Middle School Stuff #3: Popularity
This series of posts explores the tricky side of middle school. Here’s post #3 – Popularity. If you missed earlier posts, here are links: #2 – Friendship Changes and #1 – Judgment. While researching Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised, I visited 7th-grade classrooms and spoke with students about school social dynamics. When I askedContinueContinue reading “Middle School Stuff #3: Popularity”
Middle School Stuff #2: Friendship Changes
This series of posts explores the tricky side of middle school. Here’s post #2 – Friendship Changes. If you missed the last post, here it is: #1 – Judgment. While researching Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised, I visited 7th-grade classrooms and asked students about school social dynamics. I wanted to understand the challenges that arise duringContinueContinue reading “Middle School Stuff #2: Friendship Changes”
Middle School Stuff #1: Judgment
While researching my second book, Middle School – Safety Goggles Advised, I visited 7th-grade classrooms and asked students about their experiences in middle school. In comment after comment, students shared that “judgment” by peers is especially hard. Snide looks and rude remarks by others contributed to feelings of self-consciousness. One student shared, “I feel thereContinueContinue reading “Middle School Stuff #1: Judgment”