4 Myths About Cliques, Popularity, and Respect, by Dr. Brad Schwall

Myth:  Cliques are bad.

It is natural for kids to form groups.  Kids enjoy being around kids with similar interests.

Cliques become a problem when a group is too exclusive and/or begins treating others negatively.  Teach your child to find a group she enjoys, but encourage her to be friends with a variety of people.

Myth:  Well-liked kids don't get teased.

Even kids who are well-liked can be treated rudely. 

Help your child base her sense of self on internal sources of self-esteem rather than on what others think of her or how others treat her.

Myth:  If your kid is popular, it's OK for him to tease others.

Often, we are relieved that our child is liked by others so we may overlook it when he treats others meanly. 

People who succeed in relationships are not mean to others.  People who are secure in themselves learn to accept differences in others.  It is never OK to treat others disrespectfully.

Myth:  Parents have no influence.

Kids learn from what they see.  Kids do have freedom of choice when it comes to behavior and they make mistakes, but their actions can reflect your values.

Model for your kids how to respect others.  Treat your kids with respect.  Treat others with respect in front of your kids. 

Send the message, "Do what I say and what I do."