One of the most painful parts of the tween years isn’t failed tests or missed goals—it’s changing friendships. The friend they spent every day with last semester now sits at a different lunch table. The group chat has gone quiet. Maybe they’ve even been left out entirely.
If your tween is facing friendship changes, you’ve likely felt their heartache right along with them—and wondered how to help without making it worse.
This age is marked by identity exploration, and that extends to social connections. Your tween isn’t being abandoned—they’re curating. But that doesn’t make it easier. Common reasons for friendship shifts include:
In our course “Relationship Building Basics,” tweens learn the essential skills that make friendships stronger and social situations easier to navigate. They’ll learn how to:
Friendships may shift as tweens grow — but with the right skills, they can build connections that feel safe, positive, and authentic.
Ready to put these ideas into practice? Explore our free eBook library with many different resources for you and your tween. It’s a great tool to help your child build a growth mindset and find value in the learning process. Start the year with tools that help your child grow — one small step at a time.