The Friendship Factor: Helping Our Children Navigate Their Social World--And Why It Matters for Their Success and Happiness

Based on twenty-five years of research on friendship, Dr. Kenneth H. Rubin reveals the importance of children's social development to their emotional and intellectual growth--and future success. In The Friendship Factor he uses vivid case studies to differentiate normal development from potential problems and real distress, exploring how to:

• Distinguish between a solitary child and a lonely child

• Encourage the development of "popularity-as-likability," not "dominance"

• Help an easily angered child be less aggressive

• Increase a child's social ability with specific skills and strategies

About the Author
Kenneth H. Rubin, Ph.D., an internationally renowned researcher in child development, is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Director of the Center for Children, Relationships, and Culture at the University of Maryland. Featured in publications such as Parents Magazine, Parenting, Redbook, and The New York Times Sunday Magazine, he has also appeared on television shows such as 20/20. Dr. Rubin is the father of two grown children and lives with his wife in north Potomac, Maryland.

Andrea Thompson is a freelance writer.