Friendship helps a child’s development and sociability.
- Children who have friends are generally more open to new experiences.
- But making friends when you’re a toddler isn’t easy.
- You should therefore not hesitate to encourage your child.
Much research shows that children with friends are more inclined toward varied and creative play, as well as being more open to new experiences. However, learning to make friends isn’t always easy for toddlers.
From 0 to 12 months: the basics of social interaction
Even if during his first year the baby is still too young to play with other children, it is possible to encourage him to develop some of his social skills.
To do this, you can, for example, congratulate him when he smiles at others, show him how to say hello and goodbye by waving your hand or even name certain emotions. For example, you can tell him “you are angry”, “you are sad” or “you are happy”.
From 1 to 3 years: encourage interaction with others
At this crucial age of early childhood, it is possible to help him develop certain social skills such as interacting with others, sharing or solving problems. For example, you can encourage him to interact with other children, provide more toys when you go to the park, or help him recognize the emotions of others.
When telling your child a story, talk to them about the emotions of the characters and do the same when they play with other children by commenting on how happy the other child seems to be playing with them.
From 3 to 5 years old: encourage independent interactions
At this age, your child is ready to further develop social skills and even resolve conflicts. Give them regular opportunities to play with other children, for example by inviting a friend to the house and letting them invent their own game.
To help him resolve disagreements without doing everything for him, guide him and his friend to find a solution by asking questions like “How can we make sure everyone is happy?” “. Propose solutions to needs such as taking turns or drawing lots.
Using puppets or dolls can also help your child express their emotions through characters and help them manage conflicts.
Find out more: “Max wants to make friends” by Dominique de Saint Mars and Serge Bloch.