 Six tips in 60 seconds for supporting teen friendship. Encourage open and honest conversations with your teen about their friendships. Sometimes they just need someone to listen and understand. Hold back on offering advice unless it's asked for. Just listen. Avoid criticising or speaking negatively about their friends as this can create tension and discourage them from confiding in you. Besides, today's enemy is tomorrow's BFF. Understand their expectations and aspirations in their friendships so you can better support their goals and desires. Don't assume you know what they want. Identifying their concerns and boundaries will help you navigate potential issues and conflicts more effectively. Encourage empathy by discussing different perspectives and helping your teen see things from the point of view of others. They need to know that you're firmly on their team though. Maintain regular communication with your teen about their friendships, ensuring they feel comfortable sharing without fear of criticism or judgement. This ongoing support can make a significant difference in their relationships.