Having good friends is a blessing. They are the ones who support, respect and bring out the best in you. For parents, especially those raising sons, one of the biggest concerns is what kind of friendships their child makes. Top parenting coach Wendy Ologhe says the goal of parenting is not to raise a child who simply “finds good friends,” but to raise a child who can recognize healthy friendships. Because the meaning of friendship changes from childhood to adulthood, children also need guidance. Here’s what parents should teach their sons so they choose the right friends at every age. Ages 3 to 6 Friendship should be full of kindness and security. It is easy to make friendship at this age. According to parenting experts, at this age, parents should teach children three things: A friend is someone who is kind, not someone who is noisy, popular, or influential. Friends don’t hit, bully, hurt, or take things without asking. As children grow up, friends begin to play a larger role in shaping their behavior. They start comparing themselves with others, follow group habits and seek acceptance. At this age, teach your child these four things: Not everyone you play with helps you grow. Good friends encourage you to make better choices, not push you toward abusive behavior. If you constantly get into trouble because of someone, that friendship should be questioned. Friends should respect teachers, rules, and boundaries. Between the ages of 11 and 13, friendships begin to form identities. The pre-teen years can be challenging as the need to stick together becomes stronger. Children may begin to change their behavior to fit in or gain approval. At this stage, parents can help sons understand: You don’t have to change who you are to be accepted. Being popular does not equate to good character. Friends can influence your confidence, values, and decisions. Pay attention: “Do I like the person I’m becoming around this friend?” Friendships between the ages of 14 and 17 can shape the direction of life. The teenage years bring more freedom. Friend groups can influence habits, communication styles, preferences, and even future decisions. Parents can guide teens to understand: Friends influence your habits, language, discipline, and mindset. The people around you often shape the direction in which you move. It’s important to set boundaries, even with long-term friends. It’s okay to grow a friendship respectfully. In adulthood at age 18 and up, friendships become alignments. As young adults step into the world, they begin to choose relationships based on their values and goals. Parents can encourage them to: Choose friends who align with their purpose, not just their comfort. Remember that the people you spend the most time with can influence your mindset and lifestyle. Build friendships that bring growth, respect, and honesty. Never compromise integrity for acceptance. Teaching sons about friendship is teaching them about life. The friends children choose can influence their self-confidence, behavior, values, and future. But the ultimate goal is not for them to choose their friends, but to raise children who can recognize healthy relationships on their own. When boys learn kindness in childhood, awareness in adolescence, and wisdom in adulthood, they have the ability to choose lifelong friendships that support who they want to be.