3 MIN READ
AUGUST 2025
Do’s and don’ts of making friends
Friends are a big part of feeling happy and supported in life for both kids and adults. For kids especially, having friends can improve their quality of life and how well they do at school. Friendships can also help them adjust to changes more easily.1 Talk with your kids about how to be a good friend — and how to recognize who is a good friend.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
A good friend:2
- Listens: They care about what you have to say or want to do.
- Supports: They’re there for you when you’re sad or having a hard time.
- Respects: They treat you kindly and don’t try to hurt your feelings.
- Shares interests: You have fun together and like the same things.
Here are signs someone isn’t a good friend:
- It feels one-sided: They don’t think about what you like to do or how you feel.
- They make you feel bad: If they put you down or treat you differently around certain people, it’s a red flag.
- They’re mean or bossy: A good friend won’t be unkind or controlling.
How to set boundaries:
Boundaries help protect what you are and aren’t comfortable with. Here are some tips:
- Say no: It’s okay to say no to things that make you uncomfortable.
- Speak up: If someone hurts your feelings, tell them.
- Choose your friends wisely: Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself.
Tips for parents:
- Talk openly: Have regular conversations about friendships and feelings.
- Model good behavior: Show how to be a good friend by being one yourself.
- Encourage self-reflection: Help your child be aware of what they like and don’t like in a friend.
Are you or your kids having a hard time?
Some phases of life aren’t easy for us or our kids. It could be an adjustment to a new job or school year. Or maybe navigating tough dynamics with a co-worker or friend. Lean into your benefits for help to get through it. See below for resources that support making friends and healthy relationships.
1Exchange Family Center. The benefits of early childhood friendships and 3 tips for helping your child establish meaningful friendships.
2Cleveland Clinic. Social skills 101: How to help your child make friends.
Resources for you
Telemynd offers licensed psychiatrists and therapists who can evaluate, diagnose, and provide therapy or psychiatric treatment for kids, teens and adults from home.
Telemynd.com/Costco | Age 5+ | Copays apply
Talkiatry matches you with a board-certified psychiatrist for long-term treatment and medication management. Their platform lets you find and book appointments online, often in days. Get treatment for:
- ADHD
- Anxiety and depression
- Bipolar disorder, OCD and PTSD
- Eating disorders
- Alcohol and substance use concerns
Talkiatry.com/costco | Available in most states | Age 5+ | Copays apply
RethinkCare supports parents and families with training on learning, social, behavior and developmental/disability challenges. Get tools and resources to help children of any age manage challenges at home and school. The program supports all families with children, not just those dealing with behavioral challenges. It’s offered at no cost to all employees and family members.
Connect.RethinkCare.com/sponsor/Costco | 800-714-9285 | Webinars | All ages | No cost
RethinkCare supports parents and families with training on learning, social, behavior and developmental/disability challenges. Get tools and resources to help children of any age manage challenges at home and school. The program supports all families with children, not just those dealing with behavioral challenges. It’s offered at no cost to all employees and family members.
Connect.RethinkCare.com/sponsor/Costco | 800-714-9285 | Webinars | All ages | No cost
Resources for Living® (RFL®) offers free and confidential help and support for stress, anxiety, depression, and more. Services are available to you and your household members. Dependent children living away from home can use RFL up to age 26
With RFL, you can receive:
- In-the-moment mental health or crisis support, 24/7
- 6 free and confidential counseling sessions per person, per issue, per year, with in-person, virtual or chat options
RFL.com/Costco | 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) | No cost
RethinkCare supports parents and families with training on learning, social, behavior and developmental/disability challenges. Get tools and resources to help children of any age manage challenges at home and school. The program supports all families with children, not just those dealing with behavioral challenges. It’s offered at no cost to all employees and family members.
Connect.RethinkCare.com/sponsor/Costco | 800-714-9285 | Webinars | All ages | No cost
Resources for Living® (RFL®) offers free and confidential help and support for stress, anxiety, depression, and more. Services are available to you and your household members. Dependent children living away from home can use RFL up to age 26
With RFL, you can receive:
- In-the-moment mental health or crisis support, 24/7
- 6 free and confidential counseling sessions per person, per issue, per year, with in-person, virtual or chat options
RFL.com/Costco | 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) | No cost