Archive for Teen Friendships

Mar

Dealing With Your Teen’s Hurt Feelings

Posted by: Sandra Dupont MA, MS, MFT: Teen Therapist, Counselor & Life Coach | Comments (1)

A Note From the LA Teen Therapist & Life Skills Coach

When people hurt your teen’s feelings, or let them down, they can use this as an opportunity to keep their focus on the kind of life they want to experience. Read on to learn how I might discuss this with your teen. – Sandra

HOLDING A POSITIVE FOCUS
If long time friends seem to be growing apart from you, this does not mean that you are unlovable, or that you will never speak to them again. Sometimes people and situations change and we need to say goodbye.

DON’T FOCUS ON FEAR
It is understandable for you to try and protect yourself from pain by being hesitant about starting new relationships. However, making new friends prove themselves over and over is an exhausting task to ask of them.

TRY REACHING OUT INSTEAD
Try to see the challenging situations from a more neutral perspective, trusting that in every moment, each person is doing their best. Focus on seeing the positive qualities in others. Practice being more gentle with yourself.

Note: If your teen is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it. I invite you take that critical next step, and allow me to demonstrate the support I can offer to you and your family.

Worried About Your Teen? Schedule a FREE parent consultation.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupontMFT.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Categories : Teen Friendships

Comments (1)

May

Teens: What Is A True Friend?

Posted by: Sandra Dupont MA, MS, MFT: Teen Therapist, Counselor & Life Coach | Comments (0)

A Note From The Los Angeles Teen Therapist

There are many people that you may know, but there is a significant difference between acquaintances and true friends. Although you did not mention it, Read on to learn more. - Sandra

“One of my closest friends had a birthday party and she didn’t tell me about it or invite me! Should I take that as a sign that she doesn’t want to be my friend anymore?”

POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS OF HER BEHAVIOR
There could be a number of reasons why she did not invite you. A few things that come to mind are:

Her parents may have told her she could only have a certain number of people and she tried to pick group she thought would go well together.

She may not feel as close to you as you feel to her.

She may be angry over something that happened between you that you didn’t realize upset her.

She may have decided to move on to a new group of friends.

Middle school can be time when people change friends quite often, as they try to figure out who they are and who they want to spend time with. Some people like to call everyone they know their “friends,” when actually, they just happen to be in the same grade or class together.

A TRUE FRIEND
To me, a friend is someone who shows you, over time, that they want to be with you. My question to you would be “How long have your known her for, and do you feel comfortable enough asking why she did not invite you?” A true friend is someone you can talk about these types of situations with, and work things out between you. Her answer to your question will probably tell you a lot about whether she is a true friend.

If your teen is struggling with their friendships, I can help them to discover the cause and remedy it. I invite you take that critical next step, and allow me to demonstrate the support I can offer to you and your family.

Worried About Your Teen? FREE Parent Consultation.