ABSTRACT
Learning about friendship is one of the most crucial experiences our kids have as they grow up. The interactions and challenges that arise with friends as mediated by games, social media, group texts, or video chats are not wholly different from the challenges of navigating these relationships face to face, but there are some new social rules and nuances we can help our kids understand. Some young people also start having crushes and possibly dating in middle school or high school. As with friendships, these romantic relationships are not so different than young relationships have ever been (school dances are still terribly awkward, for instance), but they have new dimensions we need to consider. Here are some scenarios you may encounter:
s 9OUVE BEEN HOLDING OUT ON GETTING YOUR SIXTH GRADER A phone, but suddenly it seems like all her friends have one. They are all connected constantly, making plans, and your child doesn’t want to be left out. You let her use your smartphone, but that plan has backfired-you are sick of getting text messages from twelve-year-olds. And no way will you give up your phone for your daughter’s nightly group text party. Besides, you are still
not convinced that this is the best way for her to connect with her friends.
