15 | Raising Friendly Kids: How Modeling Healthy Relationships Teaches Children to Build Lasting Friendships - featuring Lauren Gray

Do you want your kids to build strong, healthy friendships—but aren’t sure how to help them get there? The truth is, friendship skills aren’t just taught; they’re modeled. In this heartwarming episode of The Friendship Tour, Lauren and I reflect on our own lifelong friendship and the incredible influence of one very special mentor: Lauren’s mom, Ms. Edna.

Long before we knew what it meant to be “good friends,” Ms. Edna was quietly showing us how. Through her words, actions, and consistent kindness, she taught us foundational friendship values like reciprocity, emotional availability, playfulness, staying connected, and prioritizing the people who matter most.

In this episode, we explore:

• 👩‍👧 How parents and caregivers influence children’s friendships

• 🔄 Why modeling reciprocity and empathy builds long-term relational skills

• 💬 How to talk to kids about friendship in everyday moments

• 📞 The value of staying in touch—and how to teach that to kids early

• 🌟 Why your friendships as a parent matter to your children’s social development

Ms. Edna didn’t just tell us how to be friends—she showed us, and our 30+ year friendship is living proof that those early lessons work.

🎧 Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to influence the next generation for the better, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and gratitude.

Subscribe, share, and don’t forget to leave a review—then go thank the Ms. Edna in your life.