Every parent hopes their child will find friends who are kind, honest, thoughtful and grounded. We want them surrounded by people who value learning, stand up for what’s right, support others when it matters, and respect boundaries. The thought of them losing themselves to fit in, or being pulled into choices that chip away at who they are, is genuinely unsettling.
Watching my own daughter navigate this stage, I’ve seen how intense and unpredictable high school friendships can be. Puberty brings a whirlwind of emotions and self-discovery, and during this time, the need to belong can shape so much of how she sees herself and those around her. Interests shift, dynamics change, and the line between encouragement and pressure can blur quickly.
We try to raise our kids with strong values: to know their worth, be kind without being a pushover, and to walk away when something doesn’t feel right. Letting go of the wrong people is hard at any age, but especially in adolescence when friendships feel like everything. Watching her do it with self-respect is something to be proud of. She’s not just making friends; she’s forming a circle she’ll carry into adulthood, one defined by integrity, empathy and authentic connection.
Some friendships will fade, and that’s a natural part of growing up. The more important thing is that she’s learning to recognise what’s real - bonds built on trust, consistency and care. The ones that don’t just survive the twists and turns of youth but grow stronger because of them.