Dear Families,

FINDING BALANCE// This month we will help students understand the balance of Give & Take within friendships. Sometimes it can be difficult to find a healthy balance, you may have even experienced a friendship when it felt one-sided. We will address the importance of self-awareness and social awareness by learning how to both support our friends and ask for their help.

SHARING IS CARING /// Giving can be difficult at times, especially when it is inconvenient or you feel exhausted. Jesus showed us how to serve our friends and to provide support and love even when it is hard. He paid the ultimate sacrifice by laying down His life for us, showcasing his radical love. However, he too was a man and needed friendship with his disciples. When you ask for help, it opens the door to deeper trust within friendships.

CATCHPHRASE:  Give & Take

Key Verses:

“Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18

GOAL: To give support to a friend in need and ask a friend for the support you need.

BALANCE IS NOT PERFECT ///Students will learn that they are not searching for a perfectly even balance of give and take within their friendships. Rather they are becoming self-aware of when they need to ask for help from a friend and socially aware of how to give help and support. Boundaries are important in all friendships. Sometimes friends need help walking through a hard season of life, and discernment provides understanding in knowing that for a while the friendship may not be perfectly balanced.  By showing love and care towards that friend, you are sharing Christ’s love.

FRIENDZY IN ACTION /// One way to build a healthy balance within friendships is by showing gratitude. Talk about the ways that they can show gratitude towards their friends. Gratitude can look like a simple hug or handwritten note. It does not have to be big, but showing a friend that you appreciate their support and kindness can help build trust within the friendship.

When kids learn friendship, they learn it for life!

Peace,

Marlena Templet, LMHC, NCC
School Counselor