Friends are desperately important to most children, most of the time. However, what children want, or get, from their friends and how they value these friendships change as they mature. Making Friends focuses on the typical experiences and transitions of pre-adolescent friendship, and offers advice on how a parent’s role should adapt accordingly.

Child expert Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer addresses children’s friendship styles at key ages and stages, and answers questions for parents: Should you worry when the imaginary friend sticks around past kindergarten? How do you guide your child when “mean girls” taunt her at recess? What should you do if you don’t like one of your child’s friends? Sure to be an invaluable resource for any parent, Making Friends weighs in on a timely and important topic.