Friendships Matter

Let's Do This

The Girls' Index™ showed us that girls who trust other girls, get along with other girls and have supportive friendships report fewer days per week feeling sad or depressed than girls who do not have these relationships.

In short? Girl friendships matter.

So how do we help our girls build healthy friendships?

1. Teach girls about empathy. Help them learn how to pause and consider other people's feelings, experiences and differing perspectives.
2. Be the role model and show your girl your female friendships in action that are supportive, uplifting, joyful and authentic. Girls are always watching us and what we do!
3. Allow girls to navigate their own conflict. Instead of being the problem solver, act as the guide and support system to allow your girl to build confidence in her abilities.
4. Stop using the word 'drama' when talking about girls and their relationships. Drama is the result of an inability to navigate relationship conflict. It's a skill deficit, not a character deficit. Let's help girls build the skills they need to manage conflict and engage in healthy friendships.

Stay Inspired

This tip is courtesy of Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX).

ROX is the national nonprofit authority on girls. They conduct large-scale national research with girls, deliver evidence-based programs in schools nationwide and equip adults to better support and empower girls.

To learn more about the Girls Index or get resources on how to support girls, visit their website.