Relationships: Friends

Building positive friendships throughout your life is an important part of the journey to becoming an adult.

Having good friendships can help you develop the skills you need throughout your life. Friends don’t always need to listen to same music or watch the same stuff but whilst developing and keeping friendships can be difficult for some people, healthy friendships should: 

• Make you happy – spending time with your friends and having healthy friendships can improve your mood.

• Help you to reach your goals – good friends will encourage you and support you in school, helping you to do your best.

• Be Fun! – having good friends can be fun. From spending time at school together to sharing hobbies at home. Good friendships are fun!

• Help you to develop empathy – you will develop the skills to understand other people’s emotions, being a good friend and supporting your friends.

What makes a best friend? – A best friend is someone who brings the best out in you, someone you can trust and that trusts you. 

REMEMBER: As you grow up, your friendship groups may change and this is completely normal. As you develop your likes and dislikes, your hobbies may alter and you may make new friends. The important thing is to make sure these friendships are healthy and are making you happy!

If you are worried about your friendships talk to someone. An adult at home, a teacher or your school nurse, via CHAT HEALTH will all be able to listen to you and help you.  

TOP TIPS FOR YEAR 7S

Starting a new school can be a scary time especially if all or some of your primary school friends are going to different schools. Just remember that everyone will be feeling the same.

Making new friends can be hard at any age. Yes it’s always daunting walking into a room when you don’t know anyone! Remember our body language says a lot before we even open our mouths, so:

• Be relaxed but don’t slouch! By crossing your arms or putting your hands on your hips you appear unapproachable or cross.

• Keep good eye contact, this will show that you are interested in what someone is saying, but don’t turn it into a staring match.

• Most of all smile, we are more drawn to people that smile as they appear friendly.

If you struggling with friendships the best thing to do is speak to someone that you trust. If you would like to speak to your school nurse please text CHAT HEALTH and we can arrange this for you.

To see if you have mastered the difference between good and bad body language, click on the areas in the image below that you think reflect the good!