Dear Families,

Healthy friendships are essential at every stage of childhood and adolescence. From learning to share in kindergarten to navigating peer pressure in high school, social skills shape how students feel, act, and succeed in school. This month, we’re focusing on ways families can support children’s friendships, communication skills, and emotional growth at home.

Why Friendships Matter

Healthy friendships help children and teens build confidence, empathy, communication skills, and emotional well‑being. Here are simple ways to support social growth at home.

Key Ways Families Can Support Social Skills:

💬 Talk About What Makes a Good Friend

Ask questions like: “What does a good friend do?” or “How do you show kindness?”

🧠 Teach Empathy

When your child describes a situation, ask: “How do you think the other person felt?”

🛠️ Coach Instead of Fixing

Guide children to solve problems using “I” statements and calm communication.

🎭 Role‑Play Social Situations

Practice joining groups, handling teasing, resolving disagreements, and setting boundaries.

Friendship Skills by Age:

Kindergarten–2nd Grade

*Sharing, turn‑taking, basic emotion words

*Learning early cooperation

Grades 3–5

*Understanding fairness and empathy

*Navigating more complex conflicts

Grades 6-8

*Handling peer pressure and shifting friend groups

*Building independence and boundaries

High School

*Growing trust, communication, and identity

*Making healthy relationship choices

Conversation Starters:

“What’s something kind someone did for you this week?”

“How could you help someone feel included?”

“What makes a friendship feel healthy?”

Helpful Resources for Families:

Making Caring Common (Harvard)

PBS Parents – Friendship Tips

Better Kid Care – Early SEL Videos 

Nine PBS – Talking with Kids

What Should You Know

Teen dating violence can happen in any community and affects students of all backgrounds. It goes beyond physical harm — it includes emotional abuse, controlling behavior, pressure related to sex, digital harassment, or isolation from friends or supports. These experiences can have a lasting impact on a teen’s mental health, self-esteem, and school success.

Warning signs may include:

*Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or school performance

*Withdrawing from friends, activities, or family

*Anxiety about upsetting a dating partner

*Secrecy around phones or social media

*Unexplained injuries, or fearfulness around a partner

While any one sign doesn’t always mean abuse is happening, they can be signals that your teen needs support.

What families can do:

Talking openly about healthy relationships, respect, boundaries, and communication helps your child feel safe coming to you with concerns. Let them know they deserve relationships that are kind, respectful, and safe — and that you’re there to support them if things feel confusing or frightening.

If you have concerns about your child or would like help starting these conversations, please know that support is available. As your school-based family specialist, I’m here to help connect you to resources, guidance, and community services that can support your family.

Important Support Resources — Local & National

In an emergency: 911 — Call immediately if someone’s safety is at risk.

Local Support:

Women’s Resource Center – Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis: (405) 262-4455

Teenline (youth support hotline): (405) 271-8336

SafeLine (Oklahoma domestic violence hotline): 1-800-522-7233

Cardinal Point is located at: 1023 E Vandament Ave, Yukon, OK 73099 405-776-0990.

ICAN 24-Hour Hotline: (405) 262-4455

La Luz 24-Hour Hotline: (405) 812-0762

National Support Lines:

Love Is Respect — National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (24/7):
☎️ 1-866-331-9474 • TTY 1-866-331-8453
💬 Text LOVEIS to 22522
A confidential, youth-friendly resource for questions, support, and safety planning.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224 — crisis intervention, safety planning, referrals, and support.

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 — free, confidential support via text.

You are not alone. Whether your family is just starting a conversation about healthy relationships or you need immediate support, these resources are here to help 24/7. If you ever have questions or want to talk through concerns in a confidential, supportive space, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Together, we can help our teens build relationships rooted in safety, respect, and kindness.

Your Family Specialists are here to support you. Please reach out anytime for resources, ideas, or additional support!

Jana DeLano

jana.delano@yukonps.com

Alicia Noble

alicia.noble@yukonps.com