Friendship Drama? Friendship Skills Are Learned Behaviors
Wed Feb 04 2026
In this episode, we’re breaking down why friendship struggles actually increase as the school year goes on, why that’s developmentally appropriate, and what it really looks like to teach friendship skills as learned behaviors and not just remind kids to “be nice.”
Let's talk about what’s driving mid-year social conflict and practical, doable strategies you can start using right away.
Topics Discussed:
Why friendship drama increases as the year goes onWhat friendship skills actually areHow to teach friendhip skillsWhy mid-year is the perfect time to strengthen your SEL instructionOne simple friendship skill that you can intentionally teach this week
Related Resources:
Social Emotional Learning Lessons for Preschoolers
Connect with Ashley
Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group
More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast
Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way!
As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher.
Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com
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In this episode, we’re breaking down why friendship struggles actually increase as the school year goes on, why that’s developmentally appropriate, and what it really looks like to teach friendship skills as learned behaviors and not just remind kids to “be nice.” Let's talk about what’s driving mid-year social conflict and practical, doable strategies you can start using right away. Topics Discussed: Why friendship drama increases as the year goes onWhat friendship skills actually areHow to teach friendhip skillsWhy mid-year is the perfect time to strengthen your SEL instructionOne simple friendship skill that you can intentionally teach this week Related Resources: Social Emotional Learning Lessons for Preschoolers Connect with Ashley Follow on Instagram @lovelycommotionJoin the Lovely Preschool Teachers Facebook Group More About the Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast Are you a busy preschool teacher who loves gaining new ideas, perspectives, and inspiration for your classroom? The Lovely Preschool Teachers Podcast is here to help you up your confidence in educating early learners in a quick, actionable way! As an early educator who is still in the classroom, Ashley Rives will share the ins and outs of how she runs her classroom in a play-based, child-centered way. Each week, expect a new episode focused on actionable strategies to level up your abilities and confidence as a preschool teacher. Ashley Rives is an early educator with over 17 years of experience and a strong passion to help teachers implement child-centered learning in preschool classrooms all over the world. You can follow her on Instagram @lovelycommotion or learn more at the Lovely Commotion Preschool Resources website: www.lovelycommotion.com