Often, our lives are filled with uncertainties about who we’ll meet along life’s path, and how these interactions will shape us. Friendships and life-long connections are formed on this avenue. Even young children develop friendships through social interactions which boosts their brain development. This skill starts to blossom between the ages of two and three when children begin to crave independence. What interests me is the diversity of friends that some little children gain.
But have you noticed your toddler forming some unexpected connections? Don’t be in a haste to dismiss these relationships as your young one may learn some valuable lessons from their new friend. However, as a parent or caregiver, it is important to be actively present in your little one’s friendships. Now let’s dive into my experience on the topic, followed by a brief research insight.
My Experience
A few months ago, we took a trip to Dublin zoo. My daughter enjoyed spending time not only with the animals, but also with my adult friends, particularly the ten-year-old son of one of them. She was drawn to interacting with him through play and to her delight, he reciprocated. We watched them form an unexpected bond that transcended their age difference. They chatted away as he helped her like she were his baby sister.
My young children are majorly surrounded by friends from the neighbourhood, school, and church. As a young scholar, my daughter names a different child as her “best friend” almost weekly. This ever-changing list of best friends reflects her sociable nature and the joy she finds in forming connections. Incredibly, her friends range in age from two to fifteen years old, encompassing both boys and girls. During walks, she often exchanges pleasantries with passers-by.
While my daughter is quite the social butterfly, her little brother prefers his own company for now. However, through his sister’s interactions, he has indirectly gained some friends. These friends are from different nationalities, adding a rich diversity to their social circles. For my daughter, befriending older children seems to boost her confidence and language skills. However, as parents, we are mindful of who our children interact with, as these early friendships can significantly influence their development.
Research Insight
Our brief research insight focuses on some results of exposing young children to others to develop friendship skills. According to an Australian parenting website, toddlers do not fully understand the concept of friendship. They simply enjoy playing with the children around them, rather than having a best friend. However, these interactions teach valuable skills such as sharing, taking turns, and getting along with others. As the grow, they imbibe these cultures and can begin to make conscious choices of friends.
The same website reiterates that some children are naturally more sociable than others. Parents/caregivers can practice sharing and taking turns with their little ones through play. Subsequently, praise them for exhibiting good friendship behaviour which reinforces positive interactions. The more a child plays with other children, the more they can practice and refine their friendship skills.
Conclusion
As parents, when we move to a new place, we automatically introduce our children to a new set of potential friends. Young friendships often spring from neighbourhoods, schools, parks, playgrounds, and church. This could lead to childhood friendships with long-term bonds built on intentional efforts. Friendships are valuable when both parties are invested in the relationship. These relationships work because they bring mutual benefits to both parties involved.
Sometimes, the most unexpected friendships can be the most rewarding. Again, be sure to keep a watchful eye on your young child’s circle of friends. As parents, we must play a crucial role in encouraging or discouraging some friendships based on their potential impact.
Action Point
Consider the benefits of what unique friendships could bring and how they might enrich your child’s social, emotional or language development. To what extent would you encourage an unlikely bond between your child and another?
Reference
Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. Social & Emotional Development Milestones for Toddlers (1-3 Years). Accessed on: 13 June 2024. Available at: https://www.michigan.gov/mikidsmatter/parents/toddler/social#:~:text=2%20%2D%203%20Years%20Old,and%20thinking%20about%20other%20people.
raisingchildren.net.au – the Australian parenting website. Toddlers Making Friends. Accessed on: 12 June 2024. Available at: https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/behaviour/friends-siblings/toddlers-making-friends