Helping Your Teen Nurture Friendships

Did you know that friendship is one of the most important measures of adolescent development and mental health? Several recent studies confirm that close, supportive teen friendships correlate with everything from increased empathy and self-esteem to lower rates of depression and anxiety. Friendships even provide protection against the adverse effects of bullying and the stress […]
The Importance of Teen Friendships

Friendship is important at every age, but it has special significance during the teenage years. Friends help teens shape their identity, learn social skills, develop empathy, and feel a sense of belonging. Supportive friendships protect teens’ mental health against stress, depression, and even bullying. And even though teens may prioritize peers over parents at times, […]