As moms we can all struggle with our children and their friendships as they grow older. We worry if our kids are allowing friends to influence them in a negative way, or if our child will turn from what they know is right and make unwise choices.

Here are a few tips that helped me navigate this season of motherhood:

#1. Understand that it is natural for a child to allow their friends to influence them, rather than their parents. Take a deep breath and remember this is a normal developmental stage. Your child is not acting this way to spite you or because of something you did.

#2. Regardless of your child’s behavior, stick to your values as a family. No matter what kinds of friends are influencing your child, you can still do your job as the parent! Remind your child of you family rules- we treat others kindly, we share, we show respect, etc.

#3. If your child is school age, now is a great time to begin teaching the “why’s” behind what you believe and how you behave as a family. Share stories from your own life about why these values are important to you.

#4. Above all, be patient! Part of being the parent is understanding that kids are slow cookers, not microwaves. Their behavior is not going to change instantly and this is not an overnight thing, mommas! It is a process that takes time, but in the end it’s worth it.