Relationship skills scenarios for kids: 76 situations about friends and family

By the Life Scenario team · Updated · For children 6–14

76 situations about getting on with friends, classmates and family: two friends who want your child to choose sides, a best friend left off the party list, a partner who forgot their half of the project. Read one together and ask what would keep the friendship going.

Relationship skills are what children do inside a friendship: sharing, taking turns, keeping a promise, saying sorry and sorting out a falling-out. Many of these scenarios are about loyalty, such as a secret a friend shared, a teammate who wants a cover-up, or a friend whose new crowd seems to be a bad influence.

The scenarios were written by the Life Scenario team together with child psychologists. The first 23 appear here in full, exactly as they do in the game, and your child can try them without an account. The other 53 are listed further down by title and opening line, and play in the game with a free account. To make a free printable, use your browser’s Print command: the full scenarios print as a plain list.

23 relationship skills scenarios to read in full

  1. Is This Video too Old for Us?

    Ages 6–11

    At a friend’s house, they start watching a YouTube video that says “for ages 12+.” No adults are around. What do you do?

    Also practises: courage, empathy, integrity, self-control, responsibility

    Practise this one: Is This Video too Old for Us?

  2. Friend Wants to Borrow New Toy After Last Time's Accident

    Ages 6–12

    Your friend asks to play with your new toy, but the last time they broke one. They promise to be careful. What do you do?

    Also practises: courage, empathy, social awareness

    Practise this one: Friend Wants to Borrow New Toy After Last Time's Accident

  3. Balancing Secrets and Safety

    Ages 6–14

    A friend shares something serious with you at recess and asks you not to tell anyone. Later, it seems like they might need help. What do you do?

    Also practises: courage, empathy, social awareness

    Practise this one: Balancing Secrets and Safety

  4. Friends in a Tiff

    Ages 6–14

    Two of your friends stop talking and want you to 'choose sides.' What do you do?

    Also practises: courage, empathy, social awareness

    Practise this one: Friends in a Tiff

  5. Left Out of Sleepover

    Ages 6–14

    You hear your classmates talking about a weekend sleepover but you are not invited. What do you do?

    Also practises: social awareness, courage, empathy

    Practise this one: Left Out of Sleepover

  6. Screenshot

    Ages 10–14

    You’re in a group chat with your friends.

    One night, someone sends a screenshot — it’s of you, from a private message you sent to your best friend.

    They’ve been talking about you behind your back.

    Your chest feels tight. You scroll and see messages like,

    “I wasn’t trying to be mean, I just think they’re so dramatic sometimes.”

    You feel betrayed and embarrassed — but you also remember how close you’ve been for years.

    The next day, your friend acts like nothing happened.

    What do you do?

    Also practises: integrity, courage, self-control

    Practise this one: Screenshot

  7. Project Mix Mash!

    Ages 6–10

    Your teacher puts you in a group for a big project, but everyone already seems to have friends in the group except you. They start talking about plans from last year that you don’t know about. You want to join your old group because you know them. What do you do?

    Also practises: belonging, courage, self-control

    Practise this one: Project Mix Mash!

  8. Classmate Copy

    Ages 6–12

    A classmate keeps asking to copy your math's homework. You like them and don’t want to cause trouble. What do you do?

    Also practises: courage, empathy, integrity

    Practise this one: Classmate Copy

  9. Cousin's Tall Tales at the Family Gathering

    Ages 6–14

    At a family gathering, your cousin starts making up stories about school to impress the adults. You know they’re not true. Everyone seems amazed. What do you do?

    Also practises: self-control, empathy, integrity

    Practise this one: Cousin's Tall Tales at the Family Gathering

  10. Echoes of the Coach

    Ages 6–14

    During PE, your teammates repeat what the coach says in a mocking tone. The coach hasn’t noticed. You’re not sure if it’s funny or rude. What do you do?

    Also practises: social awareness, confidence, resilience

    Practise this one: Echoes of the Coach

  11. Friend Chooses Who to Sit With in Lunch Line

    Ages 6–14

    In the cafeteria line, your friend says he only wants to hang out with certain kids. Another student standing nearby hears and looks hurt. What do you do?

    Also practises: empathy, courage, social awareness

    Practise this one: Friend Chooses Who to Sit With in Lunch Line

  12. Gift Surprise

    Ages 6–14

    At a family party, you’re given a gift by someone you don’t know well. You don’t like it — and everyone is watching. What do you do?

    Also practises: self-control, empathy, responsibility

    Practise this one: Gift Surprise

  13. Nervous notes

    Ages 6–14

    Before your piano recital, you get nervous and want to drop out. Your parent and teacher both encourage you. What do you do?

    Also practises: self-control, empathy, responsibility

    Practise this one: Nervous notes

  14. When Laughter Hurts

    Ages 6–14

    During group work, one classmate makes a loud, rude comment about someone’s idea. The group laughs. What do you do?

    Also practises: social awareness, courage, empathy

    Practise this one: When Laughter Hurts

  15. Why Won’t My Friend Talk?

    Ages 6–14

    Your best friend hasn’t spoken to you all day and seems upset. You didn’t do anything wrong — at least you think you didn’t. What do you do?

    Also practises: empathy, integrity, social awareness

    Practise this one: Why Won’t My Friend Talk?

  16. Taking Turns

    Ages 8–12

    You’re in a play and supposed to share lines. Your partner keeps trying to say all of them. What do you do?

    Also practises: self-awareness, empathy, courage

    Practise this one: Taking Turns

  17. Winning is winning?

    Ages 8–12

    You win a backyard race and can't help but keep bragging. Your friend remains quiet for a while and says nothing. What do you do?

    Also practises: empathy, social awareness, self-control

    Practise this one: Winning is winning?

  18. Cool Kids Club Leaves Classmates Feeling Left Out

    Ages 8–14

    Someone tells you that there is a 'cool kids' chat and only certain people are a part of it. You haven't been included. You feel left out. What do you do?

    Also practises: social awareness, belonging, self-control

    Practise this one: Cool Kids Club Leaves Classmates Feeling Left Out

  19. Friend Next Door?

    Ages 8–14

    You and your neighbour have been best friends for years — you hang out almost every day after school.

    One morning you call out over the fence like usual, but this time he says, “I’ve got a friend over today — maybe another time.” As the day goes on, you see them laughing and playing together, and you start wondering if he likes his new friend more than you. What do you do?

    Also practises: resilience, self-awareness, kindness

    Practise this one: Friend Next Door?

  20. Group Text Turns into Teasing Trouble

    Ages 8–14

    Your classmates start a group text teasing someone who’s not in the group. At first it seems like a joke, but it keeps going. You’re in the chat. What do you do?

    Also practises: social awareness, empathy, online safety

    Practise this one: Group Text Turns into Teasing Trouble

  21. Silent Treatment

    Ages 8–14

    You accidentally said something in a group chat that embarrassed your friend. You apologised right away, but since then, they’ve stopped talking to you — no replies, no eye contact at school.

    Days turn into a week. You start wondering if the friendship’s over.

    What do you do?

    Also practises: online safety, self-awareness, resilience, integrity, empathy

    Practise this one: Silent Treatment

  22. Tablet Time with Sibling

    Ages 8–14

    You and your sibling are supposed to share tablet time. When it’s their turn, you realise you forgot to save your game and ask to finish. They don't want to share. What do you do?

    Also practises: self-control, empathy, responsibility

    Practise this one: Tablet Time with Sibling

  23. Friends Tease You for Mentoring Young Student

    Ages 12–14

    You're asked to mentor a younger student at school, but your friends tease you about 'wasting time with a baby.' You want to help but feel embarrassed. What do you do?

    Also practises: empathy, courage, social awareness

    Practise this one: Friends Tease You for Mentoring Young Student

More scenarios in the game

53 more relationship skills scenarios to play in the game. Tap one to sign up free — it will be the first scenario your child plays.

  1. Movie Snack Ages 6–7

    You and your friend are at the cinema inside the mall.

    Play in the game

  2. Cookie Conundrum: Sharing or Staring? Ages 6–8

    There’s one cookie left at snack time.

    Play in the game

  3. Treat or no Treat? Ages 6–8

    Your mum says there’s only one ice cream left.

    Play in the game

  4. Whispers Distract You During Reading Time Ages 6–8

    A friend keeps whispering during reading time.

    Play in the game

  5. Missing Snack Ages 6–10

    You and a friend bring the same snack to school.

    Play in the game

  6. Secret Candy Ages 6–10

    Your friend offers you part of their candy after school, but says not to tell their parents.

    Play in the game

  7. Toy Trade Tangle Ages 6–10

    Your friend wants to trade their favourite toy with another friend in your group.

    Play in the game

  8. Birthday Blues Ages 6–12

    You realise it’s your friend’s birthday, but no one brought anything or celebrated in class.

    Play in the game

  9. Library Laughter Ages 6–12

    Your group is supposed to work silently in the library, but one friend keeps talking loudly and making jokes.

    Play in the game

  10. Line-Cutting Dilemma Ages 6–12

    During lunch, your friend waves you to cut the canteen line and join them.

    Play in the game

  11. Lunchbox Love Ages 6–12

    You open your lunchbox and find a note from your parent saying ‘I love you!’.

    Play in the game

  12. Sister or Favourite Video Game? Ages 6–12

    You promised to play a card game with your little sister, but your friend just invited you to play your favourite video game next door.

    Play in the game

  13. Snack Time Temptation Ages 6–12

    You spot your friend sneaking snacks out of their bag during class, even though it’s not allowed.

    Play in the game

  14. Backpack Mix-Up Ages 6–14

    At the end of the day, you and your friend accidentally swap backpacks.

    Play in the game

  15. Choosing a Seat Ages 6–14

    On the school bus, a younger student asks to sit with you.

    Play in the game

  16. Deciding the Final Art Spot Ages 6–14

    Two students argue over who gets the last spot to enter an art competition.

    Play in the game

  17. Friend Wants to Skip the Line Ages 6–14

    You are right up front lining up to buy the new chicken burgers at the canteen that always sell out fast.

    Play in the game

  18. Late to Soccer...again Ages 6–14

    You’re late to soccer practice because you forgot your gear.

    Play in the game

  19. Missing Science Kit Ages 6–14

    You and a friend bring your science kits to school.

    Play in the game

  20. Two Parties, One Choice Ages 6–14

    You’re invited to two birthday parties at the same time — one for a close friend, and one for someone new in your class.

    Play in the game

  21. White lies? Ages 6–14

    You get a birthday gift that you already have.

    Play in the game

  22. Your Best Friend Wants to Be the Line Leader Too Ages 6–14

    The class choose you to be the class captain but your best friend really wanted the role too.

    Play in the game

  23. Birthday Party Oversight Upsets Best Friend Ages 8–12

    Your best friend is angry at you because you forgot to invite them to your birthday party.

    Play in the game

  24. Lost Phone Rings in the Schoolyard Ages 8–12

    You find a phone in the schoolyard.

    Play in the game

  25. Overwhelmed with Chores, Homework, and a Friend's Call Ages 8–12

    You’re helping at home while also juggling homework and a team project.

    Play in the game

  26. Birthday Party Secret and the Uninvited Classmate Ages 8–14

    A friend invites you to a birthday party but tells you not to mention it to another classmate who wasn’t invited.

    Play in the game

  27. Borrow or Be Brave? Ages 8–14

    You forgot your homework and your friend offers to lend you theirs to copy before class.

    Play in the game

  28. Captain Opportunity Ages 8–14

    The coach always picks the same student for team captain, even when others try hard.

    Play in the game

  29. Choosing Friendships Ages 8–14

    On the school bus for a field trip, you notice one student sitting alone.

    Play in the game

  30. Club or Friend? Ages 8–14

    You’ve signed up for a school Club but now your friend wants to hang out at the same time.

    Play in the game

  31. Coach Criticises Teammate During Practice Ages 8–14

    Your sports coach criticises a teammate harshly during practice.

    Play in the game

  32. Deadline Looms as Partner Forgets History Project Part Ages 8–14

    Your partner in the history poster project forgot to do their part.

    Play in the game

  33. Discovering a Game Glitch with Friends Ages 8–14

    While playing an online multiplayer game, you find a glitch that gives you an unfair advantage against your friends.

    Play in the game

  34. Eavesdrop on a Family Secret About Someone You Care About Ages 8–14

    You overhear a family conversation where a secret is revealed about someone you care about.

    Play in the game

  35. Friend's Copycat Art in the Contest Ages 8–14

    You and a friend enter an art contest.

    Play in the game

  36. Friend's Homework Confession Ages 8–14

    Your friend confesses they lied about finishing their homework and asks you to back them up if the teacher asks.

    Play in the game

  37. Friendship choices Ages 8–14

    A good friend of yours has been hanging out with a new crowd that seems to be having a negative influence on her behaviour.

    Play in the game

  38. Homework Horror Ages 8–14

    You finish your homework but when your friend explains his answers you realise your friend misunderstood the instructions.

    Play in the game

  39. Laughter or Loyalty Ages 8–14

    At a sleepover, a friend starts talking about something embarrassing another kid did at school.

    Play in the game

  40. Lead Role Swap Ages 8–14

    In drama club, your friend gets cast in the lead role but wants to quit and give it to you instead.

    Play in the game

  41. Missed the Bus and a Tricky Suggestion Ages 8–14

    You and a friend both miss the bus because you were playing and lost track of time.

    Play in the game

  42. Private Journal Dilemma Ages 8–14

    Your friend brings a journal to school for you both to write messages in.

    Play in the game

  43. Stage Fright Moment Ages 8–14

    Your friend forgets their line during the school play and looks at you, panicked.

    Play in the game

  44. Team Captain Nervous Classmate Situation Ages 8–14

    You’re picked as team captain for a sports day event.

    Play in the game

  45. Teammate Asks for a Practice Cover-Up Ages 8–14

    A teammate asks you to pretend they were at practice so they won’t get in trouble with the coach.

    Play in the game

  46. Friends’ Secret Turns into a Schoolyard Joke Ages 10–14

    You overhear someone joking about a personal issue a friend told you in confidence.

    Play in the game

  47. Group struggles Ages 10–14

    In a group text you are part of you notice someone has been left off the group for social plans for this weekend.

    Play in the game

  48. Secrets Spilled in the School Hallway Ages 10–14

    You overhear someone talking about a personal issue a friend told you in confidence.

    Play in the game

  49. The Empty Lunchtime Ages 10–14

    You walk into the cafeteria, and every table is full — except yours.

    Play in the game

  50. The Secret Test Dilemma Ages 10–14

    During a math test you are working on a problem when your friend whispers the answer to you.

    Play in the game

  51. Friend Struggling with School and Afraid to Tell Parents Ages 12–14

    You overhear you friend telling someone they’ve been failing at a number of subjects at school but they afraid to talk to anyone about it - especially their parents, as they will be very upset..

    Play in the game

  52. Sarcastic Joke? Ages 12–14

    You make a sarcastic joke during a group project, but one teammate takes it seriously and shuts down.

    Play in the game

  53. When a friend isn't a good friend Ages 12–14

    You learn that one of your closest friends has been posting unkind things about others on a second account.

    Play in the game

How can you use these at home or in class?

  1. Ask your child what each person in the scene wants from the friendship right now. A friend who asks for a cover-up and a friend who needs help want very different things.
  2. Ask what would be fair to both people, not only what would end the awkward moment.
  3. Find the words for the hard part, such as “I can’t cover for you, but I’ll come with you to tell the coach” or “I forgot, and I’m sorry.”
  4. Play it through with you as the friend, and let the friend be upset at first, so your child practises staying calm and kind when the answer isn’t welcome.

Questions parents and teachers ask

What are relationship skills for kids?

The skills that keep friendships and family life working: taking turns, sharing, keeping promises, saying sorry, asking for what you need and sorting out an argument without hurting each other.

How are relationship skills different from empathy?

Empathy is understanding how someone feels. Relationship skills are what you do together, like sharing, apologising and solving a disagreement. Many scenarios practise both, so some of the ones shown in full here are on the empathy list too.

What age are these relationship skills scenarios for?

Ages 6 to 14, and each scenario shows its own range. The last cookie at snack time and a toy trade are for younger children. A friend who posts unkind things from a second account is for 12 and up.

Are these relationship skills scenarios free?

The scenarios shown in full are free to read and print, and a child can try them in Life Scenario without an account. The others play in the game with a free account, and new accounts get 5 free scenarios.

Guides for parents on this

One situation in depth

Two of my child’s friends are fighting and want them to pick a sideTwo friends have fallen out and both want your child on their side. How to stay friends with both, with lines your child can use when they’re asked.A friend told my child’s secret to other kidsYour child shared something private and the friend told other kids. What your child can say to that friend and to the class, and what helps at home.

More scenario lists

The whole scenario library