Forging Firm Friendships

Children’s friendships are important for a number of reasons.

- Anne O'Connor

They provide a unique opportunity to learn interaction and relationship skills. Friendships provide children with an important source of information and insight about themselves – seeing themselves through the eyes of their friends.

When kids form friendships they can be a great source of learning – about social rules and solving problems, swell as enhancing emotional wellbeing – especially important as children begin to experience stress in their lives.

Various research studies have provided us with key insights into children’s friendships:

The ease with which children form and maintain friendships can be affected by their earliest relationships. Babies who form a secure attachment with their caregiver are much more likely to make and keep friends easily later in life.