Happy Friday!

I’m so excited for next week because I get to visit my childhood friend Suzie. We met in fifth grade when she rode her bike past my house, spotted me in the front yard, stopped in the driveway, and said, "Hi, I'm Suzie!"
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All these years later, she’s still one of my dearest friends. She’s known me through so many seasons of life, and maybe best of all, my whole family adores her too.

It’s a sweet reminder that the friendship skills our kids are learning now really can matter for a lifetime.

But learning to navigate friendship can sometimes be tricky for kids.
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The good news is that we can help our kids build this important life skill — how to make friends and be the kind of friend we'd all like to have.

Here are five foundational friendship skills to teach and practice with your family:

1. Be a leader. Say hello first. Introduce yourself. Don’t wait for someone else to make the first move.
2. Show interest. Ask questions, listen to the answers, and do your best to remember what matters to your friends.
3. Be an includer. At the lunch table, on the playground, at practice—look for ways to make room and welcome others.
4. Be dependable. Keep your word and be someone your friends can count on.
5. Use the Golden Rule. Treat your friends the way you would want them to treat you.

🏠 Take turns answering this family conversation starter:
​“What do you think makes someone a good friend?”

I'm cheering you on, Mom!
Watch your inbox next Friday for more friendship teaching tips.
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All my best,
Dawn

P.S. I’m working on something fun for elementary-aged kids involving snail mail and confidence-building good manners. 📫
If that sounds interesting to you, click here and I’ll keep you updated!