How to Help Children Navigate Friendships, Bullying, and Social Rejection

Friendships are a big part of childhood—and so are the challenges that come with them. As children grow, they begin to navigate complex social dynamics, from making friends to dealing with disagreements, exclusion, and unfortunately, bullying. These experiences can deeply impact a child’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.

As a parent, you can’t shield your child from every hurt feeling, but you can equip them with the tools to cope, grow, and build healthy relationships. Here’s how to support your child through the ups and downs of friendships.

1. Teach Emotional Literacy Early

Children need help recognising and naming their emotions before they can manage them. When your child talks about a falling-out with a friend, instead of jumping to solutions, first help them identify what they’re feeling—sad, angry, confused, embarrassed?

Try:

“It sounds like you felt really left out when they didn’t invite you. That can really hurt.”

Helping your child process emotions lays the foundation for thoughtful responses instead of reactive behaviour.

2. Model Healthy Social Skills

Children often learn by watching you. Do you show empathy when someone makes a mistake? Do you handle conflict calmly? Your child absorbs your responses to social tension.

Model:

• Apologising and forgiveness

• Active listening

• Respectful disagreement

• Inclusion and kindness toward others

3. Talk About Friendship Qualities

Not all friendships are created equal. Help your child recognize the qualities of a good friend—kindness, honesty, loyalty, and respect—and encourage them to be that kind of friend too.

Ask questions like:

“What makes you feel good when you’re with a friend?”
“Was that person treating you the way you want to be treated?”

This helps your child reflect on their experiences and make healthier social choices.

4. Coach, Don’t Control

When your child faces a conflict with a peer, it can be tempting to step in. But unless there's a safety concern, try guiding your child through their options instead of solving the issue for them.

You can say:

“What could you say if that happens again?”
“Would you like to practice how you’d talk to them about it?”

This boosts your child’s confidence and conflict-resolution skills.

5. Address Bullying Head-On

Bullying is more than typical social conflict. It involves a power imbalance, is intentional, and happens repeatedly. Warning signs can include:

• Avoiding school or certain places

• Sudden mood shifts

• Changes in sleep or eating

• Unexplained physical symptoms (like stomachaches)

If you suspect bullying:

• Listen and stay calm

• Reassure your child it’s not their fault

• Document incidents if needed

• Involve teachers or school counsellors.

Your child needs to feel safe and supported first and foremost.

6. Normalise Rejection and Resilience

It’s painful to see your child left out—but rejection is a normal part of growing up. Teach them that not every friendship will work out, and that’s okay. Use these moments to build resilience.

You might say:

“It’s okay to feel sad. Some friendships change, but you’ll find people who appreciate you for who you are.”

Help them explore new social circles, activities, or hobbies where they can meet others with similar interests.

7. Know When to Get Support

If your child becomes withdrawn, anxious, aggressive, or shows a persistent change in mood, it may be time to seek guidance from a professional. Ongoing issues with rejection or bullying can leave emotional scars without support.

Final Thoughts

Childhood friendships can be joyful, complicated, and sometimes painful. The good news? Every friendship challenge is an opportunity to build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and empathy. With your guidance, your child can learn how to navigate relationships with confidence and care.