friendships & relationships

Relationships with siblings, friends and, later, romantic partners are where children and teenagers learn many social skills. Sharing, negotiating, setting boundaries and handling conflict are all practised in these relationships.

What these articles cover

Topics include sibling rivalry in young children, how teenagers navigate first romantic relationships, and how consent develops and is communicated in adolescent relationships.

Conflict between siblings and friends is a normal part of growing up. It gives children practice in negotiation and fairness that they will use in later relationships.

Why relationships feel intense

In the teenage years, the brain is more sensitive to social acceptance and rejection. This helps explain why friendships and first relationships can feel so important and why setbacks can hit hard.

How adults can help

Adults can help by listening, taking concerns seriously and helping young people think through situations. These articles suggest practical ways to support children and teenagers through relationship challenges.

Firefly Ed publishes articles on friendships, family relationships and teenage relationships, based on research and written for parents and young people.