To the parent watching from the wings, following your kid's social life is not unlike viewing a foreign film without subtitles. Things happen without reason. Characters appear, then suddenly are gone. Words are exchanged in what seems an incomprehensible language, yet the characters understand perfectly and are often greatly amused. All of which makes things complicated when trouble rocks this world. What kind of guidance can a parent offer? Should you even try? We put the question to a group of parents who happen to be writers: How have you helped your kids make and keep friends?

Their answers varied widely, but one theme was striking: All found that taking a deep interest in their kids' social lives led to notable improvements in their home lives, as well. Friends of our kids, they found, are friends of our families.