How Far Would You Go For A Friend?

Former American Idol contestant Kellie Pickler made headlines for shaving her head in solidarity with her best friend, who is undergoing chemotherapy. That got me thinking about friendships, young people and what parents need to be teaching them about friendship.

Let's face it, it can be a challenge to find one great friend, let alone one that you would be willing to shave your head for. So, here are five things we should be teaching our kids about friendship.

1. Some friends are forever, while others are "for now" friends. When you are young, you think you will have the same friends forever. This makes any argument or disagreement feel 10 times worse than they really are. Let your teenager know that some friends will be forever, while some are just for now. 15 OK-To-Admit Reasons NOT To Be Sad Your Kids Are Growing Up

2. We have friends for different things. The concept of "best friend" can be very daunting for young girls. They feel they must have one and there is something wrong with them if they don't. Let your child know that there are different kinds of friends. Friends that make you laugh and cheer up and friends that will give you advice. This way they can start to make sense of all of the different kinds of friendships that are out there.

3. Real friends support you, regardless of your decisions. When we are young, it is so easy to be swayed by bad advice from well meaning friends. Real friends will tell you their opinion, which may differ from yours. But, they will never put you down or make you feel bad. They will support you no matter what.

4. It can take a long time to find a true friend. When I was young, I always felt bad that I didn't have a best friend. I always thought so differently than others, that it was difficult to be around other girls. It was only when I was in my 20s that I clicked with another girl and made a friend for life. Sometimes, finding true friends takes a while. Male-Female Platonic Friendship? Yeah, Right

5. People argue and fall out. Conflict will always happen. It doesn't mean you are not friends if you fall out of contact or if your pal gets on your nerves. It means you are just normal. Conflict and arguments happen, but nothing is worth keeping an argument going. Get over it and move on. In Love? Don't Forget Your Friends

I dedicate this to the friend I would shave my head for, Stacy. I met Stacy when I was 20 and working in America. I have only recently found her again. She was then and still is my best friend. Love you, Stacy. Who do you dedicate this article too? Who would you shave your head for?

More love advice from YourTango Experts:

How Far Would You Go For A Friend?

5 important lessons parents can teach their kids about friendship.

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