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How to help kids navigate friendship, with Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD
Speaking of Psychology
Episode Insights
See all- Friendships in early childhood are categorized by stages, starting with toddlers playing with anyone available, young children demanding others to share their views, and later on, seven to twelve-year-olds expecting fair play and forming exclusive groups.
- The role of parents in child friendships is crucial, they can foster empathy by discussing feelings, model positive social interactions, and facilitate playdates to enhance their childrenās social understanding and skills.
- Friendship breakups are a common and emotionally significant event for children, and parents can help by providing support, encouraging new friendships, and keeping a path open for reconciling old friendships.
- There are distinct differences in how boys and girls handle friendships; girls generally have more intimate but expectation-heavy friendships, while boys tend to engage in larger groups with less emotional intensity.
- As kids grow, their friendships evolve to resemble adult relationships more closely, with increased acceptance, appreciation for closeness, and less possessiveness.
- Conflict resolution among children is a developing skill, with negotiation and compromise not fully utilized until around age 19, illustrating the importance of teaching children about forgiveness and basic social skills.
- Labeling children as shy can be counterproductive; instead, helping them by building social skills such as practicing friendly greetings and discussing social situations is beneficial for their social comfort.
- Children need to learn about forgiveness in the context of friendships, letting go of minor issues, understanding genuine apologies, and the ability to move past incidents to maintain healthy relationships.
- Reassurance-seeking behavior in friendships can be problematic, leading to a cycle of anxiety and uncertainty, indicating the importance of building childrenās confidence in the stability of their friendships.
- Encouraging playdates and emphasizing the value of spending time with friends can significantly deepen childrenās friendships and social skills, which are essential for their overall well-being and coping mechanisms throughout their life stages.