The importance of friendship in childhood

We all need friends but children even more because those relationships will make them understand a different world outside of the family. Since children are very young, friendship is a fundamental part of childhood . True friendships help children broaden horizons, build self-confidence and share jo

We all need friends but children even more because those relationships will make them understand a different world outside of the family. Since children are very young, friendship is a fundamental part of childhood. True friendships help children broaden horizons, build self-confidence and share joys.

Friendships in childhood are not only fun and games, they are positive relationships that have profound benefits for the development of the little ones. A close friendship in childhood increase the feelings of self-esteem and is that as the saying goes: 'Whoever has a friend, has a treasure'.

Friendship for the child up to age 5

Although babies and younger children can enjoy spending time with other children, children do not create true friendships (friendships based on mutual recognition, trust, giving and taking) around 5 years old.

It is very important that parents avoid labels such as 'shy', or phrases of the type, 'likes to be alone', as it can affect the life of the child throughout life. What is necessary is that parents help their child play with other children and if situations cause stress to the child the ideal is to redirect the child's attention to a game or another game and remind him that he is not alone.

Friendship for the child from 6 to 10 years old

At these ages the friendships begin to have another meaning for the little ones. The friendships that children made at school in the children's classroom are really important to them. Children who are friends of the school tend to behave better in primary education. Fights between children can also start around the age of 6, but they also develop friendships based on trust.

Parents at this age are important to help them listen to them when they tell them things and also to recognize their feelings, to evaluate the different results and to model the resolution of conflicts in an appropriate way.

Friendship for the child from 10 to 18

But when children enter preadolescence and throughout adolescence, friendship plays a major role in their lives as they spend more time with friends than with family.

But, what happens if your son the friend of your son is a bad influence? As parents you will have to be cautious in case some friend is a bad influence, but without directly accusing. Avoid negative judgments and criticism, what is paramount is having an open door to dialogue and good communication with your child. To achieve this you will have to rely on respect, support and understanding and leave aside the authoritarianism.