Friendship · Ages 8–12
Friendships can be both good and difficult
A friend can be someone you like playing, talking or spending time with. You might have lots in common or enjoy different things. A good friendship has room for both of you. Friends can also disagree or hurt each other's feelings. Talking about what happened can help. If you often feel frightened, sad or pressured into doing something, an adult can help you work out what you want to do.
A friend can be someone you like playing, talking or spending time with. You might have lots in common or enjoy different things. A good friendship has room for both of you. Friends can also disagree or hurt each other's feelings. Talking about what happened can help. If you often feel frightened, sad or pressured into doing something, an adult can help you work out what you want to do.
01
What can make a good friendship?
In a good friendship, you can have fun together while also saying what you think. You listen to one another and respect a no. Both of you can have other friends and interests. You do not have to agree all the time. What matters is that there is room for both of you and neither has to fear how the other person will react.
02
When friends disagree
A disagreement might be about a game, who gets to decide or someone feeling left out. Try describing what happened from your point of view: 'I felt sad when I was not allowed to join in.' Listen to how the other person experienced it too. You do not have to agree about everything to find a better solution. An adult can help if you get stuck. Repeated exclusion, threats or bullying are different from an ordinary argument. Adults should then help keep you safe instead of expecting you to sort everything out yourself.
03
Friends can have different interests
A friend may enjoy football while you like drawing. You can still be friends and find something you both enjoy. It is also okay to spend time with other people and to need time alone. Friendship does not mean someone gets to make every decision for you. If you are often afraid to say no, have to give things away or do something you do not want just to be included, you can tell an adult. You deserve friends who let you be yourself.
04
When a friendship makes you very sad
Perhaps a friend repeatedly leaves you out, makes fun of you or wants to decide whom you can spend time with. You might also find yourself doing things you would rather avoid because you are afraid the friend will get angry. Tell an adult you trust what is happening and how you feel. The adult can help you decide what to say or do, and how you can feel safer around other people.
Want to talk about it?
You can ask someone you trust about anything you have noticed or are worried about. A school nurse or doctor can also help if symptoms affect everyday life.
Help me explainSources and further information
Personal health concerns require assessment by a healthcare professional. Some source documents are in Norwegian.