What Makes a Good Friend (and What Doesn't)

Have you ever had a friend who is super fun one day, but then says something that makes your stomach feel funny the next? Or a friend who only wants to play what they want to play? Friendship can be tricky. It's not about finding perfect people. It is about finding friends who make you feel good more often than they make you feel bad.

Think of a friendship like a seesaw on the playground. For it to be fun, both people have to push off the ground. If one person is always sitting on the ground, it's not much of a game. A good friendship feels balanced most of the time.The most important thing people look for in a friend is being reliable. That just means you can count on them. They do what they say they will do. But what else makes a good friend? Here is a simple checklist:They are kind. They don't make fun of you to get a laugh from others.They listen. They care about what you have to say, not just what they want to say.They keep your secrets. If you tell them something private, they don't tell the whole class.They include you. They invite you to play and join in.No friend is perfect. Everyone has a bad day. But if a fri...

Camila, who is 11, loved hanging out with her friend Olivia. Olivia was funny and always had new ideas for games. But lately, Camila noticed things. Olivia would cancel plans at the last minute. She would only want to talk about her own problems. And one time, Camila heard Olivia telling another kid a secret Camila had shared with her. Camila felt confused. She didn't want to lose a friend. She talked to her mom, who asked a simple question: "How do you feel after you've been with Olivia?" Camila thought about it. Lately, she felt tired and a little sad. Her mom then asked, "How do you feel after playing with your other friend, Sofia?" Camila realized she always felt happy and full of energy after seeing Sofia. Camila didn't have a big fight with Olivia. She just started saying "yes" mor...