What Kids Learn:

Social skills for a sticky situation
Conversation icebreakers
A quick fix for a habit

Even little issues can feel like big concerns for young children—and that’s why we answer every letter that kids write to us. You can check out what’s on kids’ minds, too. Take a look at the letters in the latest Dear Highlights feature on page 42 of the April 2017 issue—or find the recaps and our responses here.

Hot topics this month: a fragile friendship, a rift between sisters, and overcoming a habit.

A Canadian fan says his friend is acting like someone she’s not. We encouraged him to approach his friend and express his feelings. If that doesn’t help, he may want to spend more time with friends who make him happy.

Q’s for your kids:
Who’s your best friend and why do you like spending time together? How are the two of you different—and what do you have in common? Why do friends sometimes grow apart over time?

A California reader says her sister’s knuckle-cracking habit is super annoying. We said her sister may not realize her habit is bothersome; she could ask her to stop, or if that fails, simply go elsewhere.

Q’s for your kids:
Why are some of our habits, like nail-biting and knuckle-cracking, annoying to others? Why do your friends’ habits bother you more than your own do? Which of your habits seem to get on other people’s nerves? Which of your habits would you like to break?

A Wisconsin letter writer says she slouches. We gave her tips to stand and sit straighter and make her more aware of her own posture.

Q’s for your kids:
Is it ever OK to slouch? Where—and what would you be doing? How does slouching look different from proper posture? Which position is more comfortable?