PSHE · Friendship

What Makes a Good Friend?

A friend is someone who makes you feel safe, listened to, and like you matter.

Friendships are one of the best parts of life — but what actually makes a good friend? Let's look at the things good friends do, the things they don't, and how you can be a good friend too.

💚 5 things good friends DO

✔They listen when you talk.
✔They include you in games.
✔They are kind, even when others aren't.
✔They tell you the truth — but gently.
✔They forgive small mistakes.

🚫 5 things good friends DON'T do

✘They don't laugh at you when something goes wrong for you.
✘They don't say mean things about you behind your back.
✘They don't drop you when somebody "better" comes along.
✘They don't make you keep upsetting secrets.
✘They don't pressure you into doing things that feel wrong.

🔵 My friendship circle

You can have more than one kind of friend. Some are for jokes, some for serious chats, some for animals — that's normal! Different friends fit different parts of you.

Outer — friendly at school, clubs or POTG

Inner — 3–5 you really like

Closest 1–2

✏️ Fill in your own circle. Middle: 1–2 people you trust with everything. Inner ring: 3–5 people you love spending time with. Outer ring: people you're friendly with. If a circle is empty, that's OK — friendships take time.

🐾 What animals teach us about kindness

Animals are great friends, and they show us how to be kind:

🐶 Dogs stay loyal and are always pleased to see you.

🐰 Rabbits are gentle and calm — they teach us kindness.

🐴 Horses work together as a herd and look out for each other.

🌟 Write down: One thing I do to be a good friend is ______. One thing I'd like a friend to do for me is ______.

📖 Glossary

Friend — someone who makes you feel safe, listened to and valued.

Loyal — sticking with someone and not letting them down.

Kind — being gentle, caring and helpful.

Forgive — to stop being cross about a small mistake.