Teach your kids to learn how to identify and deal with toxic friends.
Talking Points:
- “Toxic” people are people who have a negative effect on your life. Not everyone who is “toxic” to you is “toxic” to everyone else in their life. It could just be that you rub each other the wrong way.
- Being toxic doesn’t mean you’re toxic all the time. Sometimes we can become toxic without really thinking about it. When you gossip or fail to stick up for someone you’re being toxic.
- Adolescence is a tough time when it comes to your self-identity and self-esteem, and walking away from a friend or friend group that you come to realize is toxic can be scary. Parents, you’ll need to be supportive.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Who are some toxic people you’ve known? Share a story if you’re comfortable.
- How do we go about deciding if someone is toxic? Explain.
- What are some examples of toxicity you’ve seen at school, in sports, or other areas? Parents, do you have any stories from when you were in high school or junior high?
- Are there times you’ve been toxic, maybe without realizing it until later? Explain.
- How can you be the antidote to toxicity in your circle of influence?
- What do you think are healthy boundaries with the toxic people you know? Explain.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
