Be encouraged to help your kids find and cultivate lifelong friendships as you listen in to this fun interview with David, Sissy, and her childhood friends.

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Old Friends – Ben Rector

Four of Sissy’s oldest friends

Grace Ann

Jenny

Tammy

Paige

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The amount of people who remain best friends from 7th grade to 12th grade is 1%.

What’s different about old friends than new friends?

With old friends, there’s a time you come to when you no longer feel guilt. No matter how much time has passed you can pick up where you left off.

Old friends feel like no pressure.

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How have your families played a role in your relationships?

Friends can benefit from the “collective parenting” of each other’s moms and dads.

Parents can help their child’s friends feel a confidence they may not feel in other places.

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What do you all think you did to solidify your friendship and overcome some of the drama?

Faith can be the foundation of friendship that helps kids grow together.

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How have you encouraged your kids to build foundational relationships?

Kids need at least one friend who is like-minded and shares the same values who can be in it with them when the pressure is on.

Honesty and authenticity attracts friends that allow you to be your true self.

Make a list of the qualities of a good friend. And not only should you look for that friend, you should first make sure to be that kind of friend.

Some kids don’t find their people until later in life and that’s okay.

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What would you want to tell your 13 or 15 year old self?

You are strong, you are courageous. You are going to be okay.

Don’t ever be too prideful that you can’t ask for or give forgiveness.

What’s more important than pleasing everyone is being your true self.

God has a plan and these people are part of it.

It’s never too late to stop growing.

God will use it all – every heartbreak, every lesson, every struggle.

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You are the only you this world will ever know and something about you is meant to make something about God known in a way no one else can. Dan Allender

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What would you say to any parent listening that wishes they could connect with their old friends?

Do it! It’s never too late.

The history is a gift.

It takes courage but pick up the phone.