What makes someone a good friend? When do we cross our own boundaries to help those around us? How do we effectively balance our needs with our desire to help someone we care about? These are difficult questions to answer for ourselves and in regard to the people in our lives. When considering these questions with a child in the context of their own lives, its important to retain the notion that their ability to comprehend complex situations is limited. To keep things simple while introducing the foundation of what it means to be a good friend, here are some simple things you can share:

Honesty is the best policy: trust matters in friendships. Friends are real friends when you can trust them to share your thoughts, and opinions, as well as seek advice from and vice-versa.

Loyalty stands the test of time. If there is a shared trust between two people, they will begin to demonstrate acts of loyalty. You stand up for them, and you believe they would stand up for you.

They are there for you. We all need a shoulder to lean on in difficult times and in moments of triumph. Being a good friend means being there for someone, and you can trust they are there for you.

If you would like to learn more about bullying, contact Simple Acts of Care and Kindness at 866-459-7225 or visit www.simpleacts.org for additional information.