Friendships are an integral part of life for most of us. I've been lucky to have found some amazing ones throughout my 37 years — I've known some of my closest friends for more than 20 years; others entered my life after I had my children — and I want the same for my almost 6-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son. But as we all know, along with the fun, laughter, support, and caring that comes with having friends, we occasionally encounter conflict, hurt feelings, anger, and sadness.
Friendships take work, just like any other relationship, and it's important that we give our children the tools to find good friends and become good friends themselves. Here's how to start.