Tag Archives: Social Emotional Skills

Friendships Change

Friendship Truth #3: Friendships have different phases and change over time. This series of posts shares each of the nine Friendship Truths from BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships – although they apply to all ages and genders. Here are links to the other posts in this series: FriendshipContinueContinue reading “Friendships Change”

Posted byJessica Speer, AuthorMarch 24, 2022June 9, 2025Posted inUnderstanding Your Kids Social WorldTags:Friendship Problems, Healthy Family Communication, Social Emotional Skills, Teens (13+), Tweens (9-12)Leave a comment on Friendships Change

The Friendship Pyramid

This article describes The Friendship Pyramid from BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends). The Pyramid explores the dynamics of friendship and is a helpful framework for kids, families, and schools. The definition of the word “friend” varies from person to person. Maybe it describes the people you spend time with or go to for support.ContinueContinue reading “The Friendship Pyramid”

Posted byJessica Speer, AuthorFebruary 17, 2022June 7, 2025Posted inParenting, Understanding Your Kids Social WorldTags:Friendship Problems, Social Emotional Skills, Teens (13+), Tweens (9-12)Leave a comment on The Friendship Pyramid

Developing Friendship Skills

Friendship Truth #2: Everyone develops friendship skills at a different pace. This series of posts shares each of the nine Friendship Truths from BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships – Although they apply to all ages and genders. Here are links to the other posts in this series: FriendshipContinueContinue reading “Developing Friendship Skills”

Posted byJessica Speer, AuthorJanuary 26, 2022June 9, 2025Posted inUnderstanding Your Kids Social WorldTags:Children (4-8), Friendship Problems, Social Emotional Skills, Teens (13+), Tweens (9-12)Leave a comment on Developing Friendship Skills

Safe & Accepting Friendships

Text from the book BFF or NRF: Friendship Truth #1 - Our healthiest friendships feel safe and accepting

Friendship Truth #1: Our healthiest friendships feel safe and accepting. This series of posts shares the nine Friendship Truths from BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships – although they apply to all ages and genders. Here are links to the other posts in this series: Friendship Truth #2, TruthContinueContinue reading “Safe & Accepting Friendships”

Posted byJessica Speer, AuthorNovember 30, 2021June 9, 2025Posted inUnderstanding Your Kids Social WorldTags:Friendship Problems, Social Emotional Skills, Teens (13+), Tweens (9-12)Leave a comment on Safe & Accepting Friendships

What if my kid does not want to be friends with someone?

Friendship Question: What if my daughter prefers not to be friends with someone?

What if your daughter prefers not to be friends with someone? How do parents encourage their kids to be kind while also helping them respond to their own needs?

Posted byJessica Speer, AuthorSeptember 16, 2021June 5, 2025Posted inParenting, Understanding Your Kids Social WorldTags:Friendship Problems, Social Emotional Skills, Teens (13+), Tweens (9-12)Leave a comment on What if my kid does not want to be friends with someone?

Behind The Book BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)?

Girl reading the book BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)

The celebrate the release of BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? A Girls Guide to Happy Friendships, here is a peek into the inspiration and research behind the book.

Posted byJessica Speer, AuthorAugust 13, 2021June 4, 2025Posted inParenting, Understanding Your Kids Social WorldTags:Bullying and Social Aggression, Friendship Problems, Social Emotional Skills, Tweens (9-12)Leave a comment on Behind The Book BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)?

Three Truths About Kids’ Friendships

Kids on school bus with the title "3 KIds Friendship Truths to Lean on as Kids Head Back to School"

Whether you are a child, teenager, or adult, friendships can sometimes get tricky. This article shares three friendship truths to guide kids as they head back to school. Our social lives are constantly evolving, especially during childhood and adolescence. Some changes are positive, like making new friends. Others are challenging, such as dealing with conflict,ContinueContinue reading “Three Truths About Kids’ Friendships”

Posted byJessica Speer, AuthorJuly 27, 2021June 7, 2025Posted inParenting, Understanding Your Kids Social WorldTags:Children (4-8), Friendship Problems, Healthy Family Communication, Nurturing Connection, Social Emotional Skills, Teens (13+), Tweens (9-12)Leave a comment on Three Truths About Kids’ Friendships

Helping Kids Re-Enter Their Post Pandemic Social World

Kids playing with text "Helping Kids reenter their in-person social worlds"

With the pandemic and social distancing, many kids’ social lives are in flux. This article shares how parents can best support their kids.

Posted byJessica Speer, AuthorMay 26, 2021June 4, 2025Posted inUnderstanding Your Kids Social WorldTags:Children (4-8), Emotion Coaching, Friendship Problems, Social Emotional Skills, Teens (13+), Tweens (9-12)Leave a comment on Helping Kids Re-Enter Their Post Pandemic Social World

Where Do I Fit? Girls and Confidence

photo of girl on beach with the text: Where do I fit? Big questions adolescent girls navigate

What is it about adolescence that intensifies social changes and struggles, especially for girls? The answer lies in some big questions girls navigate during this phase.