What role do friendships play in a preschool child's development?

Friendships play a significant role in a preschool child's development primarily by helping them to develop social norms and skills. During the preschool years, children begin to cultivate relationships with peers, which offers them opportunities to learn how to interact, communicate, and collaborate with others. Through these interactions, they learn important social concepts such as sharing, turn-taking, empathy, and conflict resolution.

Friendships encourage children to practice verbal communication and develop their emotional intelligence by recognizing and responding to the feelings of others. Engaging in play with friends allows children to explore their own feelings and the dynamics of relationships, which can aid in the development of a sense of belonging and self-esteem. This foundational social experience is crucial for later relationships and overall emotional and social well-being as they mature.