The Friendship Skills Every Child Needs [with Michelle Mitchell]

Friendship isn't just part of childhood. It shapes confidence, mental health and whether kids feel they belong. So why does it seem harder than ever?

Michelle Mitchell joins Dr Justin Coulson to unpack the biggest friendship mistakes parents make, why today's kids need more than "just go and play", and the simple framework that helps children build healthier, stronger relationships. If your child is dealing with friendship drama, loneliness or constant social ups and downs, this conversation will change the way you guide them.

KEY POINTS

• Why friendship struggles sit behind so many school and wellbeing issues.
• What's changed for today's kids and why friendships feel more complicated than ever.
• Michelle Mitchell's three-part friendship framework: safety, chemistry and effort.
• How to help children recognise healthy, one-sided and situational friendships.
• Why parents shouldn't feel guilty for staying involved in their child's friendships.
• Practical advice for supporting neurodivergent children to build meaningful connections.
• The surprising research about bullying that every parent needs to hear.
• How technology is quietly changing what children expect from friendships.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

"Friendships are founded on safety. They gather energy through chemistry. They're sustained through effort."

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Friendship Smart by Michelle Mitchell.
• A Little More Social by Nicholas Epley.

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS

• Talk about one friendship with your child this week using three questions. Does it feel safe? Is there real connection? Are both people putting in effort?
• Help your child see that not every friendship needs to be equally close.
• Look beyond school for friendships through family, neighbours, hobbies and community groups.
• Notice when technology is shaping your child's expectations of friendship and talk openly about what healthy relationships look like.
• Remind your child that strong friendships grow over time through trust, kindness and consistency.

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