Parenting Tips: How to save your child from toxic friendship, know those parenting tips which no one would have taught you before..

How To Protect Your Child From Toxic Friendships: When children repeatedly stay with the same friends who trouble them, make fun of their feelings, or ignore them, then it is natural for parents to worry. We think that by explaining or scolding them repeatedly, the child will understand, but often it does not happen. The reason for this is that the child gives the most importance to “connection” – even if that connection is full of pain or stress. So what should parents do? Let us know some easy and effective ways by which you can protect your child from toxic friendships, without much interference.

Listen to the child without judging –
When the child does not speak ill of a friend, but his behavior is repeatedly hurting him, then you must listen to him without interrupting. Assure him that you are with him. The child will talk to you openly only when he feels that you will not scold him or make fun of him.

Teach them to identify feelings-
Children often do not understand how they are feeling. It is important to teach them that when a friend repeatedly hurts them, ignores them, or makes them feel guilty, it is toxic behavior. Instill the habit of self-reflection in them by asking questions like "How did you feel when he laughed at you?"

Tell them the meaning of real and healthy friendship-
It is very important to explain to children that a good friend respects, supports, and stays with them. Also, tell them that it is not wrong but necessary to distance yourself from a friend who repeatedly hurts you. With the help of stories or role-play, you can explain to them the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships.

Teach them to say 'no'-
Many times, children are afraid to say 'no'. They fear that if they refuse a friend, they will be left alone. Therefore, parents must teach children that it is not wrong to set their limits. “If someone forces you to do something you don’t like, you have the right to say no.”

Give opportunities to make new and healthy friendships-
Children stay stuck in toxic friendships because they don’t have options. Give them an environment where they can meet new children, such as an art class, music club, or sports group. This will give them more options, and they will learn to form healthy relationships.

Instead of repeatedly preventing the child from making toxic friendships, it is important to teach them how to identify who is worth befriending and who is not. If parents become a safe space for the child, then the child gradually learns to make better decisions on their own. Remember, with love, understanding, and the right direction, we can teach our child to fight the big problems of life, and this is real parenting.

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