By 4th grade (or so) the beginning stages of finding friends opinions more important than that of their parents are in full swing. Don’t panic! It’s natural for kids to begin to want to know things for themselves not just because their parents believe it. Preteens and teenagers need to go through this development before becoming adults, and as parents, our role is to help guide while also letting them ask questions without fear of judgment. The roles of the friends in their lives become extremely important to them during this transition and into teenage years.

Here are some topics and questions to ask to have a continuing conversation with your child about this as they approach and enter their teenage years. Considering talking about choosing friends that are ”

Considering talking about choosing friends that are “like minded”. Talking about the type of friends Jesus had while walking the earth. What did Jesus and his friends do together? How this applies to their lives today and would Jesus fit in with the friends they have?

Always remind them, that as children of God, Jesus is in them! So wherever they go, whoever they choose as friends, Jesus goes, he hangs out with them and Jesus is their friend! HE REALLY LIKES THEM! What difference does that make in their life?

We are praying for you as you parent! May you find some time to talk with your child about their friends. Compliment something that you like about their friends or a friend in particular. Talk about ways you see your child being a good friend.