From Monkey Bars to Lifelong Bonds: Teaching Kids the Art of Friendship
Whether it’s at home, school, or at the park, friendships during our youth are probably one of the most basic concepts we learn as children.
Surveys show that friendships play a crucial role in the development and well-being of children in several ways:
Social Development: Friendships help children learn important social skills, such as cooperation, communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Emotional Support: Friends provide emotional support and companionship, which is vital for children’s emotional well-being.
Self-Esteem: Positive friendships contribute to children’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Being accepted and valued by peers boosts children’s sense of self-worth and helps them develop a positive self-image.
Cognitive Development: Friendships offer opportunities for cognitive development as children engage in collaborative play, problem-solving activities, and discussions with their peers.
However, friendships are bound to have conflicts, and that’s where teachers and parents can help children by implementing a preventative plan for guiding children on how to be a good friend.
Here are seven tips for teaching kids how to be a good friend:
Explain the concept of ‘communication’ and how one person listens or ‘hears’ what the other person is saying’ as the other person speaks.
Ask the child to define a ‘friend’ and what it means to them to have a friend. Have them name a friend and why they enjoy having them as a friend or what makes them special.
Explain the concept of sharing physical objects, such as toys or food, and provide an example.
Demonstrate the acceptance of disappointment. Ask the child: How would you feel if the same day you went over to your friend’s house to play and they did not let you play with their favorite toy? If the child responds with ‘sad’ or something similar, explain that sadness is often called disappointment, and it’s okay to feel that way.
Explore the concept of sharing ‘thoughts and feelings’. Ask them: Do you think it would be okay to share your feelings of sadness and/or disappointment with your friend? Tell them that sharing feelings in a kind way is a positive thing to do.
Revisit the term friendship and what it means to ‘support each other’.
Introduce the concept of ‘speaking up’. Sometimes a child may feel they are not being heard, even though there are friends and family all around them. Explain to them they are never alone, and all they have to do is ‘speak up’ and talk to someone about how they are feeling or what is hurting them.
Remind the child that a friend could also be a teacher, family member, or other adult in their life.
Take the time during play, mealtime, or bedtime to introduce these concepts, your child will benefit from the comfort and support of a lasting friendship.
Overall, friendships are integral to children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development, playing a significant role in shaping their well-being and sense of identity.
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