Table of Contents
Note to Grown-Ups x
Part I Reaching Out to Make Friends 1
1 Take First Steps 2
Brandon's Challenge: Feeling Alone 2
2 Find Common Ground 11
Raven's Challenge: Trying to Impress 11
3 Take It Slow 17
Angela's Challenge: Holding On Too Tight 17
Now You Try It! 27
Part II Stepping Back to Keep Friends 29
4 Notice Stop Signals 30
Aidan's Challenge: Trying to Be Funny 30
5 Give the Benefit of the Doubt 42
Susan's Challenge: Assuming Meanness 42
6 Handle Stressful Situations 47
Kyle's Challenge: Crying Easily 47
Now You Try It! 55
Part III Blending in to Join Friends 57
7 Join the Fun 58
Mackenzie's Challenge: Standing on the Sidelines 58
8 Match the Tone 74
Jason's Challenge: Criticizing Others 74
9 Contribute to the Team 82
Carlos's Challenge: Afraid of NOT Being the Best 82
Now You Try It! 88
Part IV Speaking Up to Share with Friends 91
10 Be True to Yourself 92
Christopher's Challenge: Not Sharing What He Thinks 92
11 Say No When Needed 104
Maria's Challenge: Giving In Too Much 104
12 Handle Teasing and Bullying 112
Paul's Challenge: Overreacting to Silliness 112
Now You Try It! 129
Part V Letting Go to Accept Friends 131
13 Be a Good Sport 132
Samir's Challenge: Acting Like a Sore Loser 132
14 Respect Others' Choices 140
Natasha's Challenge: Trying to Control Too Much 140
15 Move Past Conflict 146
Jorge's Challenge: Holding Grudges 146
Now You Try It! 166
Final Thoughts 169
Acknowledgments 171
Additional Resources from Dr. Kennedy-Moore 173
Glossary 175
About the Authors 181