Friendship groups are a bit like Liquorice Allsorts. They are made up of children with different personalities, views, opinions and come from different backgrounds, etc. You will never find two friends the same, which, for me, makes them like all-sorts. We hope our children are happy in their friendship group and like the fact that each friend is unique and brings something different to the group.
However, what can your child do if they have someone in their friendship group who they don’t like? Someone perhaps that they have nothing in common with, or they feel that they just don’t connect. That person may be part of the group because they are friendly with one other person and have been included. It can be really difficult when your child likes everyone apart from that one person.
Practical Steps: Help Your Child Get Along with a Difficult Friend
So what can your child do to get along better with children they don’t gel with?
- Suggest to your child that they are friendly and find a way of getting along with the difficult friend.
- They should include them in social things they are doing, so as not to leave them out.
- They should be kind, civil and listen to them when they are talking.
- They should be aware of the trait/s they don’t like about that person, but also look for the good in them.
- Your child can be everything a good friend can be without having to be close to them.
There are many degrees of friendship. There will always be a person whom they don’t have much in common, or they don’t like their traits. They can’t do anything about the situation but accept that the child they aren’t so keen on is not going anywhere – yet. However, that could all change as children’s friendship circles often do.
More Help for Parents Around Children & Friendships
If your child has other issues around friendships, why not look at my book, ‘Being Me (And Loving It)’
For a more tailored approach, you might prefer life coaching for your child. If this is something you think might help why not give me a call.
Read more blogs on children & friendships
[Published Oct 2022 | Updated Nov 2025]
