Choosing Friends

An excerpt from the book Positive Discipline A-Z

Question:

I have one child who complains that she doesn’t have any friends. Another child keeps choosing friends I don’t like. How do I help my children become friends with children I approve of?

Answer:

Understanding Your Child, Yourself, and the Situation

We often forget to honor the different styles and personalities of our children and try to make them all fit one mold. This tendency can be most blatant when it comes to the secret dream of most parents-to have popular children. Some children are quiet and passive, some are active and assertive, some choose conventional lifestyles, and some choose unique lifestyles. The following suggestions focus on meeting the true needs of the situation-to help our children honor the uniqueness of each individual and feel comfortable with who they are.