Modeling Friendship

Modeling Friendship

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

“Make sure you are including Beth,” my friend Sara whispered to one of her girls while a bunch of children gathered around the pool at a recent event. Sara caught my eye and smiled as she sent her daughter off to play. I observed her daughter talking with the other little girl as she invited her into the group that was playing together in the pool.

Sara is someone who includes everyone, and she is teaching her daughters to do the same. She intentionally notices someone who is new or would be left out and works hard to invite them into a group. She does it naturally, and I appreciate her tender approach to welcoming others in. She is modeling this behavior, not only for her own daughters, but for mine and our other friends as well.

I want my children to learn what it looks like to be a good friend, not just from me but from the women I am around as well. We all have strengths and traits that come more naturally to us than others, and it is good to raise our kids in community with others who model things we want our own children to learn. How much better will it be if they can learn healthy skills in friendship at a young age?

We know that we are to direct our children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. It doesn’t really matter if you are a parent or not, modeling behavior for others in friendship is something we can all do. You have strengths in friendship that others around you lack, and we need one another to encourage us in areas where we are weak. Maybe you are a good listener but aren’t always quick to offer help, or maybe you are quick to offer a meal or a ride but don’t always notice a new person. In whatever ways you are strong, set a good example while also noticing and learning from others.

— Kendra

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Thank a friend who has modeled friendship well for you and tell them what you appreciate about them.