Friendships in Early Childhood and Why It’s So Important
The learning environment within early childhood education certainly reaches beyond subjects such as math, science, and reading. At this age, children are beginning to build relationships with their peers and forming friendships. By sharing experiences, feelings, and interacting with others, children learn how to meet the social needs of others and their own. Making these connections at an early age is vital for honing in on skills that they carry for the rest of their life.
What skills do children learn through forming friendships?
- Communication- Talking, listening, and cooperating with others
- Empathy- Responding to others’ feelings with understanding and taking the perspective of others
- Consideration- Saying please and thank you, taking turns, and sharing with those around them
- Play Skills- Taking on roles and developing their own ideas and stories
- Identity Development- Learning to speak up for themselves and express their own interests
The Malvern School strives to provide an environment that helps foster friendships and nurture growth amongst children during this time. As a parent, you can support your child’s friendships by providing encouragement, showing them how to include others in play, and providing opportunities for your child to meet others such as play dates. Any opportunity that gives children the chance to experience different aspects of friendship, at home or at school, will help set your child up for social success in the future!
Want to learn more?
Ages & Stages: How Children Build Friendships | Social-Emotional Development
