I never learned a lot about friendship as a child. I was fortunate to have three best friends most of my childhood, and that friendship came easily. Actually friendship was not much of a challenge until my life became very, very, very busy and there was little time for friends and many challenges. That period is past, and I'm thinking more about friendship these days.
What do I want to teach my children and students about friendship?
First, you need to accept your friends for whom they are. Their collection of qualities drew you to them in the first place, and sometimes their unique characteristics might challenge you too. Give them space, time, and encouragement to find their path, reach for their dreams, and enjoy their life.
Next, you need to make time for friends. They won't stick around if you're only taking, and not giving. It's a two-way street.
There will be times too when you and a friend may need to take a vacation from one another due to all kinds of circumstances.
As I look at the poster hanging in my classroom, I notice that it does a good job summing up friendship as it states that friends forgive you, respect you, involve you, encourage you, need you, deserve you, and support you. I'll remember that as I reap the friendship opportunity that life's window has just opened for me. Onward.
What do I want to teach my children and students about friendship?
First, you need to accept your friends for whom they are. Their collection of qualities drew you to them in the first place, and sometimes their unique characteristics might challenge you too. Give them space, time, and encouragement to find their path, reach for their dreams, and enjoy their life.
Next, you need to make time for friends. They won't stick around if you're only taking, and not giving. It's a two-way street.
There will be times too when you and a friend may need to take a vacation from one another due to all kinds of circumstances.
As I look at the poster hanging in my classroom, I notice that it does a good job summing up friendship as it states that friends forgive you, respect you, involve you, encourage you, need you, deserve you, and support you. I'll remember that as I reap the friendship opportunity that life's window has just opened for me. Onward.