My high school senior has a friend who is going through a lot at home, but isn't sharing with her about it. My child says, "We share everything with each other." How do I help my child through this? How do I help the friend through this?
Two things here. One is that sometimes we don't have to know all the details to be a meaningful friend. Just being present—reaching out, asking, "How’s it going?"—and creating positive interactions can be enough. Invite them to do something like go for a walk, play a game, or just spend time together. Positive distractions can help someone going through a hard time without needing them to open up.
The second point is about trust and safety. Trust builds over time, and people tend to open up when they feel safe. If your child’s friend doesn’t feel ready to share yet, that’s okay. They may need time and a sense of comfort before they can talk about what’s going on.
Encourage your child to be a friend naturally—without pressuring the situation. Over time, if the friend feels safe, they may choose to share, and your child will be there to support them in a meaningful way.
