Fostering Friendships
Making friends in the early years supports development in several ways. At this age, children learn to share, be kind, and talk to others by playing with friends. Friendships help little ones feel safe and boosts their confidence. These early friendships teach children about trust, working together, and respecting each other, which helps them have healthy relationships when they are older.
Parents can help their children to build and sustain friendships by:
- Organizing playdates with other children, allowing children to practice social skills in a comfortable environment.
- Observing and gently guiding children in sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts.
- Reading books about friendship and discussing the stories helps children understand the importance of empathy and kindness. Encouraging children to express their feelings and thoughts.
- Modeling good friendship behaviour by showing kindness and respect in all interactions with others.
- Visiting an EarlyON Centre to meet other children and practice these skills.
Fun Playdate Ideas to Build Friendships
- Building Extravaganza: Use large, safe blocks or cardboard boxes to build structures. Working together, children learn about teamwork and spatial awareness.
- Mini Olympics: Organize a series of simple games like a sack race, a bean bag toss, or a mini obstacle course in your backyard or a local park. Have children work together to win medals!
- Storytime Performance: Read a simple story to the children and have them act out the story with simple props or costumes.
- Music and Dance Party: Create a playlist of fun, age-appropriate songs. Provide simple instruments like shakers or tambourines and let the children dance and make music together.
- Toy Swap Meet: Encourage each child to bring a toy to share. This teaches sharing, and trying out new toys can be exciting and fun.
- Bubble Bonanza: Head outdoors with bubble wands and solution. Chasing and popping bubbles is a fun activity that develops motor skills, while encouraging playfulness.
