Motherhood: Mom-Teenage Son Conversations That Matter (7)

Helping Your Son Choose the Right Friends

Do you know your son’s friends—really? Not just their names, but who they are in character? Do you know what they believe, how they talk, how they act when no one is watching? Mama, your son’s circle matters. It influences his choices, his values, and the kind of man he’s becoming.

Many times, we focus on their grades, manners, and chores—but overlook one of the biggest shapers of destiny: “their friends.”

That’s why, as mothers, we must not only know our sons’ friends but also teach our boys what real friendship looks like. Let them know that a true friend won’t bully them, shame them, or make them feel inferior. Let your son know that it’s better—and wiser—to walk away quickly from circles of bad friends. It’s not weakness; it’s a sign of self-confidence and a clear sense of purpose.

A good friend won’t pressure them into doing their bidding, or lure them into gangs or questionable behavior. He will respect his values and beliefs, like him for who he is, and tell him the truth even when it’s hard. He won’t sweet-talk him just to use him or please him. Instead, he’ll correct him when he’s wrong and stand by him when he’s right. Real friends won’t lead him away from purpose—they’ll walk with him toward it.

Tell him stories that show the power of the right friendships—like the four boys who convinced their parents to contribute money so one of them could study abroad. He worked hard, and within a year, he paid for the next. One by one, they supported each other until all four studied at a prestigious institution and built their futures together. That’s what real friends do—they grow together.

Point him to the story of Daniel and his three godly friends who stood firm in Babylon, honored God, and didn’t bow to culture. That’s the kind of circle your son needs.

Proverbs 13:20— “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

How are you guiding your son to choose friends who shape his purpose? Kindly share

Bye!