John and Crosley, the inseparable duo from Night Buddies, have faced some wild adventures together—battling imposters, racing to the stars, and saving the world’s pineapple cheesecake supply. But have you ever wondered if they could have done it alone? Or is there something magical about having your best friend by your side through every twist and turn?
Friendship isn’t just about having fun (though it’s certainly a big part of it); it’s also about building social skills, boosting self-worth, and navigating life’s ups and downs together. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), middle schoolers with close, reciprocal friendships are more cooperative, social, and emotionally grounded than those without. Kids who lack close friendships often report higher levels of sadness and lower self-esteem.
Middle school, however, is a time of major friendship changes. Kids start shifting from proximity-based friendships (friends because they sit next to each other in class) to interest-based ones. This transition can be bumpy—friend groups change, social pressures grow, and schoolwork gets harder, making social dynamics feel messy and complicated.
But here’s the good news: Kids don’t need a huge circle of friends to feel the benefits of connection. Research shows that having just one to three close friendships can provide the same mental and social benefits as having a larger group. So, how can you help your child find their own Crosley or John?
Helping Your Child Build Meaningful Friendships
- Talk About What Makes a Good Friend
Encourage your child to think about the qualities they value in a friend: kindness, trust, shared interests, or a good sense of humor. Then, ask them if they’re demonstrating those qualities themselves—after all, to have good friends, we must be good friends. - Discuss Different Types of Friendships
Not every friend needs to be a “best friend.” Help your child understand the difference between a close friend and a casual one. Should they share their deepest secrets with someone they just met? Probably not. Setting healthy expectations for different types of friendships can help kids navigate their relationships more thoughtfully. - Teach Conflict Resolution Skills
Friendships aren’t always smooth sailing. Misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and arguments are bound to happen. Talk with your child about how to manage conflict, regulate their emotions, and repair relationships when things go awry. These are the building blocks of lasting friendships.
Just like John and Crosley rely on each other to navigate their adventures, helping your child learn how to build and maintain strong friendships will give them a trusted companion to face life’s challenges—and maybe even save the world’s pineapple cheesecake supply one day.