Episode 29: The Parent's Role in Childhood Friendships: Less Fixing, More Facilitating with Leonie Kenny

Navigating the ups and downs of children's friendships can be a source of significant anxiety for parents. Whether our kids are on the receiving end of unkind behavior or we're concerned about their own actions towards others, these situations often leave us feeling helpless. In this enlightening episode, I'm joined by Leonie Kenny, an experienced Speech and Language therapist, who addresses the crucial question: "What is just one thing parents can do to help their children to manage and develop good friendships?"   Leonie offers valuable insights, reminding us that friendship skills are learned, not innate. She emphasises the vital role parents play in this learning process. Key takeaways include the importance of allowing children to experience some social discomfort, learn from their missteps, and create space for them to problem-solve independently.   Whether you're dealing with friendship challenges now or want to proactively equip your children with essential social skills, you won't want to miss this discussion.