Teaching Kids About Friendship

Teaching Kids About Friendship

From Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families by Dr Justin Coulson

June 3, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 1617

About this episode

In this episode, Justin and Kylie discuss the six powerful habits that create strong, lasting friendships and how parents can help children build healthier relationships.

Friendship drama is one of the biggest sources of stress for kids — and heartbreak for parents. In this episode, Justin and Kylie unpack the six powerful habits that create strong, lasting friendships and explain how parents can help children build healthier relationships from the very beginning. From loyalty and inclusion to emotional support and trust, these simple but profound friendship skills can shape your child’s confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging for years to come. If your child is struggling socially, feeling left out, or constantly caught in friendship ups and downs, this conversation will help you guide them with clarity and compassion. KEY POINTS: The six friendship habits linked to stronger relationships Why loyalty matters more than popularity How gossip quietly destroys trust The difference between emotional support and “fixing” Why belonging at school impacts lifelong wellbeing How small acts of kindness deepen friendships What parents can teach kids about inclusion and empathy QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: “Kids who understand that friendships require active care are far better equipped to keep them.” RESOURCES MENTIONED…

People in this episode

Host: Dr Justin Coulson

Guest: Kylie

Topics covered

  • friendship
  • parenting
  • child development
  • social skills
  • emotional support
  • inclusion

Keywords

  • friendship habits
  • loyalty
  • emotional support
  • kindness
  • inclusion
  • social skills

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