Friendships are an important aspect of children’s social and emotional development. Friendships develop through shared interests, activities, and experiences. This can be through playing together, participating in mutual hobbies, or attending school or community events.
Once children have connected, there are skills adults can help children learn to maintain a healthy friendship. Skills, such as the ability to relate to one another, show empathy, and communicate effectively, are important factors in helping the friendship connection thrive.
Adults play an important role in helping children learn about what it means to be a friend. Children learn a lot by watching you!
1. Model communication: Help children express their feelings and perspectives. It’s never too early to model active listening. Adults can model this by making eye-contact, minimizing distractions and asking questions that summarize what you’ve heard to ensure the speaker's message was understood.
2. Encourage empathy: Encourage children to consider the other person’s feelings and point of view. This fosters a sense of understanding and compassion.
3. Teach problem-solving skills: Guide children through the process of finding mutually beneficial solutions to their disagreements, promoting compromise and cooperation.
4. Encourage acceptance and forgiveness: Help children to acknowledge their mistakes, how to give an apology, and how to forgive others. This is valuable in resolving conflicts.
5. Raise awareness about resources: Other adults are valuable resources. Let children know it’s okay to seek help from a parent, teacher or trusted adult if they are having a conflict with a friend.
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