Impact of Educational Leadership Episode 233

Hosted by: I. D. III for Dr. Isaiah Drone III

| Dr. TR | Buddy Thornton |Jerry Green |

Choosing Friends Wisely

Helping teenagers steer the social landscape is a delicate challenge because their biological drive for peer acceptance is at its peak, often making direct parental prohibitions feel like an attack on their identity and inadvertently increasing the allure of "forbidden" friends. Rather than engaging in the uphill battle of dictating specific social circles, which frequently triggers defiance and classified information. Mentors and parents should shift their focus from dictating to empowerment. By equipping teens with a "Friendship TARGET" of internal values and critical thinking tools, we can help them evaluate their own social connections and make healthy choices that align with their well-being, turning a potential power struggle into a developmental opportunity for self-reliance.

Buddy Thornton: Not every social connection needs to be an intense friendship.

What are some coping strategies to categorize relationships, help manage energy, and expectations?

Dr. TR: How important is choosing your inner circles?

Jerry Green: Does technology help or hurt choosing friends wisely?

How do you spot green lights versus red lights when choosing how to place your friendship targets?

Dr. Isaiah Drone III Closing Remark