Friends - Connecting with Kids Importance of Friends Parents may be worrying about the report card, but a child is most likely worrying more about how to make friends. Thirteen year-old Meredith says her friends mean more to her than anything else.
Research shows the kids are right.
Good friends during childhood can be a better predictor of adult success than good grades. Long says parents need to take these relationships seriously because lonely and isolated children are at risk for many problems such as poor grades, depression, bullying and drug abuse. Fifteen year-old April often feels desperate because she has trouble making friends. Long says by the time a child starts school, he or she should have one close friend. Reluctant kids may need subtle encouragement.