Friendship Drama 101: How to Host a Workshop That Teaches Kindness

Turn Drama Into Growth and Teach Girls How to Be Real Friends

Friendship drama is one of the most common struggles tween girls face. One day they’re besties, the next day someone’s feelings are hurt, and suddenly there’s group chat tension, lunch table confusion, and tears in the hallway. It’s not just frustrating—it can be really painful.

But here’s the opportunity: friendship drama doesn’t have to be something girls just survive. With the right tools and guidance, it can become a chance to grow stronger, kinder, and more confident in who they are—and the kinds of friends they want to be.

If you’re ready to lead a kindness-centered workshop that teaches girls how to move through drama with compassion and courage, this guide is for you.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Drama isn’t the enemy—it’s a teachable moment for empathy, boundaries, and leadership

• Teaching kindness gives girls practical ways to handle conflict without losing themselves

• A great workshop should be safe, structured, and full of real talk

• You can lead powerful sessions without being perfect—just be present and heart-led

Start with a Safe Space Check-In

Before diving into drama talk, make sure your group feels grounded. Start with a light icebreaker or a simple “How are you feeling today?” check-in. Then co-create a group agreement that includes listening without judgment, keeping it kind, and respecting privacy. Safety opens the door for honesty.

Define Kindness—Together

Ask the group: What does kindness really look like in friendships? Write their answers on a board or poster. Help girls see that kindness is more than “being nice”—it includes honesty, respect, support, and accountability. Let their voices shape the definition.

Use Real-World Scenarios

Create role-play situations or read anonymous submissions from girls (made up or from past sessions) that reflect common conflicts:

• “She talked about me behind my back.”

• “I got kicked out of the group text.”

• “They leave me out but say I’m overreacting.”
  Break into small groups to discuss: What would kindness look like here? What’s a confident, clear way to respond?

This helps girls practice empathy and problem-solving before they’re in the moment.

Teach the Difference Between Kindness and People-Pleasing

Girls often think kindness means staying quiet or keeping the peace. But real kindness includes setting healthy boundaries and standing up for what’s right. Say things like:
“You can be kind and say no.”
“You can be kind and stand up for yourself.”
“You can be kind and walk away from toxic energy.”
Let girls explore how to be kind without losing themselves.

Create a Kindness Toolkit

Invite girls to brainstorm specific ways to respond to friendship drama with kindness. Some ideas:

• “I feel hurt by that—can we talk?”

• “Let’s not talk about her when she’s not here.”

• “I want to clear things up instead of assuming.”
  Have them write these on cards or in journals to keep as a confidence tool they can return to anytime.

Do a Kindness Chain Activity

Each girl writes one kind thing about another group member on a strip of paper. Loop the strips together to form a paper chain of kindness. This visual reminder of support can hang in your meeting space as a symbol of the group’s strength and unity.

Use Journaling for Reflection and Release

Give girls time to write privately with prompts like:

• How do I usually respond to friendship conflict?

• What kind of friend do I want to be?

• How can I handle drama without hurting others—or myself?
  This invites girls to reflect, reset, and move forward from a grounded place.

Close with a Group Kindness Pledge

Have each girl complete the sentence:
“In this group, I will choose kindness by…”
Let them share or post them anonymously on a wall or board. This turns talk into action—and shows that kindness is a shared value.

Ready to lead a workshop that helps girls move through friendship drama with kindness, confidence, and clarity? The Real Friends, Real You Workshop Kit has everything you need to make it happen—no stress, no guesswork. Inside you’ll find ready-to-lead activities, journaling prompts, reflection questions, and printable tools to help girls build real friendships, navigate challenges, and be proud of how they show up for others and themselves.

You’ve got what it takes to turn drama into something real and empowering. Let’s teach girls how to lead with kindness, even when it’s hard. Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear what lands most with your group!

-Kate