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Are you unsure if you like your teen’s friends? Finding out why your teen likes their friends, in a non-judgmental way, could bring you closer and develop trust.​​ Also, talk with your teen about ideas on how to get to know their friends. Food can be a great way to get to know your teen’s friends. Ask if they want you to make or buy some food for friends who might want to come over or if you can take their friends out for a meal or snack together.

Keep in mind that the number one place where teens learn about relationships is in their families. What they learn about building and maintaining relationships with parents and siblings has a lot of influence on how they find and get along with friends. You are having an influence, even when it might feel like you aren't.

Jeffco Teens Cope With Difficulties With Friends

According to participants at the 2024 Youth Town Hall, Jefferson County teens cope with difficulties by listening to music, doing something artistic/creative, and talking to friends in person. 

Seeking support for coping with difficulties is a sign of strength. If you, or someone you know, is in immediate crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988colorado.com to be connected to a mental health professional at 988 Colorado to talk over emotional, mental health, or substance use concerns. 

988 Colorado offers free, confidential support, no insurance, no judgment.

Video: Teen Voices: Social Media and Friends

Lots of middle schoolers use social media to connect with friends, share pictures, and stay up to date. But, is everyone ready to handle the distractions that come with social media, or the pressure to share constantly and always be connected? In this video, you'll hear what teens have to say about these issues, and you can think critically about how social media affects your own relationships.

Video is three minutes and thirteen seconds long (3:13)

Open Ended Questions About Friends

How to Start a Conversation About Friends

The number one place where teens learn about relationships is in their families. What they learn about building and maintaining relationships with parents and siblings has a lot of influence on how they find and get along with friends.​

First, find an opening. Some ideas are: 

• Do you model sharing about friendships? Let your teen know what you value in your own friendships.
• If you have a challenging or delicate situation with a friend, tell your teen about it and ask how they would handle it. You might be surprised by their insights, and you will model talking to each other about friendships. ​

Ask a direct question that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."

For example:

• What do you find hardest about friendships?
• I’m curious. How do you and your friends use Snapchat/TikTok?
• What did you and your friends end up doing last night?
• Seems like you haven’t mentioned your friends much lately. What’s going on with them?
• What makes somebody a good friend?
• What’s the hardest thing about juggling friendships and other stuff?
• How do you and your friends have fun?

The best way to show your teen you care?

Be there.

Have a talk with your teen.

Learn more at https://jeffcoctc.care/twelve-talks/friends/