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Being there for your loved ones……teach your little ones how to do it, too!

Listen to your friend, rather than being focused on solving their problems.
Empathise by honouring their feelings – all feelings are ok, so show respect by validating them.
Show compassion by saying you’re sorry that they’re finding things so difficult.
This may seem insignificant, but all these little things really do help.
Be honest, when you don’t know how to help – it’s ok not to have an answer, never mind all the answers.
Relationships can be messy – there may not be an immediate solution, so allow listening to be enough.
Get them to reclaim their own power – after listening, ask them what they think they would like to do.
Ask them about another time they were struggling – what did they do back then that might have helped?
Avoid telling them what to do and resist the temptation to give any advice, however small.
Get them to reach out to others – you may not be the best person to help in this situation and that’s ok.
Draw on as wide a support network as possible – phoning & messaging are fine if talking proves too much.
Don’t you go it alone, either – if you’re really concerned about your friend, tell a trusted confidant.
You won’t be breaking their confidence if you use your discretion, while seeking other people’s experiences.
Boundaries are important – if overwhelmed, take care of yourself by setting limits on your time together.
Set the example – by prioritising your own needs, you’re showing others that it’s ok to do the same, too.