As your child is making new friends with the start of the school year, it's helpful to understand how friendships develop from a research perspective.
Friendships are important at all stages of development but change and develop over time, and what constitutes a friendship often varies depending on age. In early childhood, friendships are often based on proximity and shared activities. In middle childhood, friendships become more complex and exclusive. In adolescence, friendships become even more important and intimate.
There are many different models of the stages of friendship, but one common model identifies five stages: acquaintance, friendly, close, intimate, and mature.
Overall, friendships have many positive effects on health and achievement. They are a vital part of human development and should be nurtured throughout our lives.
Some specific examples of the benefits of friendship:
- Reduced stress: Having friends can help to reduce stress levels. Friends can provide social support and companionship, which can help to buffer the effects of stress.
- Improved mental health: Friendships can also improve mental health. Friends can provide emotional support and help to reduce loneliness. They can also help to promote positive emotions, such as happiness and joy.
- Increased physical health: Friends can also help to improve physical health. Friends can encourage each other to be active and eat healthy foods. They can also provide support during times of illness or injury.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Friends can also enhance cognitive function. Friends can help to stimulate the mind and promote brain activity. They can also provide support during times of learning and challenge.
- Greater resilience: Friends can also help to increase resilience. Friends can provide support during times of difficulty and help to bounce back from setbacks.
- Improved academic achievement: Friends can also help to improve academic achievement. Friends can provide study support and help to motivate each other to succeed. They can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can free up mental energy for learning.
So, how can you support your child in developing healthy relationships at each stage of development?
Early childhood (ages 3-5):
- Encourage your child to play with other children.
- Help your child find activities that they enjoy and that involve other children.
- Model good social skills.
- Talk to your child about friendship.
- Encourage your child to join clubs or activities that interest them.
- Talk to your child about their friends.
- Help your child resolve conflicts with their friends.
- Be supportive of your child's friendships.
Later childhood (ages 13-18):
- Encourage your child to be open to making new friends.
- Help your child develop their own interests and hobbies.
- Be there for your child as they navigate their friendships.
It is important to remember that every child is different. What works for one child may not work for another. The most important thing is to be supportive and encouraging, and to help your child to develop the skills they need to make friends and maintain healthy friendships.