Peer Relationships
Whether you meet your Little at the front office or pick them up from the classroom, you may encounter your Little's classmates or friends on occasion. Although the majority of the time you spend with your Little will be one-on-one, there may be an opportunity during a lunch hour to interact with your Little as a group, or you will hear from your Little about certain friends in school or in the neighborhood. Using the opportunity to encourage caring peer relationships can help your Little bridge the gap between their relationship with peers and their relationship with You. Littles love having a special friend who cares exclusively about them, but they also enjoy having a special friend who cares about them and their relationships with others.
Peer relationships can have a significant influence on a Little's school and home life, and the choices they make today and in the future. Whereas Big/Little friendships can help foster respect and appreciation for the individual, encouraging strong peer relationships can help Littles feel more comfortable and accepted in the overall school environment, which leads to an all-around happier Little.
Some ways to foster peer friendships with your Little:
- Help your little understand the perspective of others
- Encourage your Little to express his/her thoughts and emotions in ways that are acceptable in school
- Promote fairness, sensitivity, and care for ALL individuals in the school and home
Occasionally kids just don't get along, and one of the ways to encourage good relationships is to help your Little think of ways to respond to negative interactions without becoming angry. Remember, you don't have to be a trained educator to help your Little learn about positive relationships – simply sharing your own experiences can lead to a conversation about caring for others.
