The Stages of Friendship Development in Teens (for Parents!)

Friendships are a central part of growing up, and they often shape how teens see themselves and the world around them. As a parent, it can be both exciting and challenging to watch your child build relationships that bring joy and belonging, but also conflict and confusion. Knowing that friendships go through natural stages of development can help you better support your teen during these ups and downs.

In the early stage, friendships usually form around shared activities, classes, or sports. Teens may bond simply because they spend time together. As friendships deepen, trust and emotional support begin to matter more. This is when teens start to learn how to share feelings, keep confidences, and rely on each other during both fun and hard moments.

Later on, friendships become more balanced and mature. Teens begin to understand that healthy relationships are reciprocal — both giving and receiving care and respect. They may also experience shifts as friends move, join new peer groups, or pursue different interests. These changes can feel painful, but they are also a normal part of growing up and learning resilience.

As a parent, you can support your teen by encouraging open conversations about their friendships. Ask questions like, “How do you feel when you’re with this friend?” or “What do you need from your friendships right now?” Help them identify what healthy relationships look like — mutual respect, kindness, and trust — and remind them that it’s okay to step back from friendships that feel draining or hurtful. By offering validation, modeling healthy relationships in your own life, and guiding your teen to set boundaries, you empower them to navigate the stages of friendship with confidence and self-awareness.