July 13, 2024

Quote of the Week

"A friend is someone who makes it easy to believe in yourself." -- Heidi Wills

Omar's Story On School And Friendship

Friendship is a dynamic relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and shared experiences. At its core, it’s about two or more individuals coming together to form a unique connection that enriches their lives. True friends provide a safe space for each other to express their thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities without judgment. This non-judgmental understanding is a cornerstone of strong friendships.

Friendship often begins in childhood, where we form bonds on the playground, in school, or even in our own neighborhoods. These early friendships are characterized by simplicity, where shared interests, games, and adventures lay the foundation for a lifelong connection. Childhood friends hold a special place in our hearts, as they are often the first to witness our formative years, helping us navigate the ups and downs of growing up.

As we transition into adolescence and young adulthood, our understanding of friendship becomes more complex. We start to explore our identities, and our friends play a crucial role in shaping our worldviews. These friendships are marked by a sense of exploration, as we support each other in discovering who we are and what we want from life. Together, we face the challenges of school, relationships, and self-discovery, building trust and memories that will last a lifetime.

Witness a little glimpse of that friendship in this heartwarming story of Omar of how a simple act of connection in his friendship allowed for his journey to be a lot more gentler and reassuring in the day-to-day navigations of life and emotions.

"When I was 15 years old, I was a straight A student. I didn’t try particularly hard, I just went to all my classes and paid attention. Being smart, it meant I got good grades with minimal effort. I had a great group of friends too: kids I grew up with, that I had known nearly all my life. We would hang out every weekend, have pool parties and go for food. We thought we were way cooler than we actually were. It was great!

Then I moved to a new place just before high school, and everything changed. Overnight, I had no friends, was in a new country where everyone was different and was living in a cramped apartment with my mother, my sister and two cousins. I remember feeling really messed up inside: I think I was too much in shock to be upset about it at first." [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: Your Heart Can Hold the Whole Universe
By: Rebecca Atanassova
Ages 3-9 years

"Discover a heartwarming tale of friendship and the boundless capacity of love in "Your Heart Can Hold the Whole Universe." In this enchanting children's book, journey into the world of a young boy who celebrates the remarkable qualities of his dear friend, illuminating why he believes her heart is expansive enough to cradle the entire cosmos.

Embark on an Adventure of Friendship:
Join us in a heartwarming journey where friendship takes center stage. Delve into the enchanting tale of a boy's admiration for his extraordinary friend and the magical connection they share.

A Universe Within: Unveiling the Power of a Big Heart:
Through captivating storytelling, witness how the boy describes his friend's heart as a vessel capable of holding the entire universe.

Cherishing the Extraordinary:
This book magnifies the beauty of recognizing and appreciating the exceptional qualities in our friends. As the boy highlights his friend's admirable traits, readers are encouraged to celebrate uniqueness and cultivate positivity.

Nurturing Young Minds:
Tailored for young readers, this book offers an opportunity for kids to explore the concepts of friendship, empathy, and selflessness. It's an engaging way to introduce children to the values of appreciating others and making a positive difference." - Publishers

Be the Change

There’s nothing quite like friendship, but kids don’t always know how to be good friends on their own. With a little guidance, your child can discover the value of friendship and learn how to be the best friend they can be.

No matter where your child is on their friendship journey, you can support them by modeling the qualities of a good friend, talking with them about friendly characteristics, and allowing them to have plenty of practice.

Ask your child what they think a friend is. Listen to their answer and then share your definition of friendship.

Once you’ve established a loose definition, talk about what friends do. Have your child brainstorm a list of things that friends do for each other, and write down what they say.

Friendship is a common theme in children’s books. You can use the fictional characters in books to help your child learn more about being a good friend.

Reading about friendship is one thing. Practicing being a good friend is another!

Good friends have several common character traits. By intentionally practicing these qualities, you can help your child learn to be a better friend.