Preschool is the training ground for friendship—on the playground, at the art table, or even in the play kitchen. In childcare and daycare settings, children practice sharing, turn-taking, problem-solving, and caring about others’ feelings on a daily basis. Those everyday moments build social-emotional skills, and sometimes even friendships, that last a lifetime.
See these moments firsthand and schedule a tour with us here at Lily Pad Childcare. See out day-to-day activities, tour our multiple play areas and watch friendships bloom in every classroom.
Early Relationships Make a Difference
Warm, stable relationships early on set a precedence for quality relationships as children grow. Not only do these little ones feel supported, but they have good examples to fall back on and to act as a model for future friendships. Whether that is strong bonds between parent and child, quality friendships at day care or childcare, or even healthy friendships between cousins, good relations make a difference. The Harvard Center on the Developing Child explains how responsive interactions build confidence, emotion regulation, and problem-solving abilities that help children make and keep friends.
Come for a visit here at Lily Pad Childcare to see how our daily schedule and see how we encourage our students to practice friendship skills all day long.
What Friendship Looks Like at Ages 3–5
By the time children have reached preschool age have usually moved from parallel play (where kids might play next to each other but not with one another) to a truly cooperative form of play where they share, negotiate, and play together. These ‘play milestones’ are supported through Mildred Parten’s 6 Stages of Play.
Don’t discount the play of younger toddlers, even though they are just getting started. The organization Zero to Three suggests short, supported playdates to give little one’s practice, building a good foundation for the later stages of play within their early childhood education.
Let your child experience these important stages with expert guidance and join us here at Lily Pad Childcare. Our lovely early childhood educators are here to support friendship and play through every milestone.
Tips for Nurturing Friendship Skills
1) Quality Adult Relationships
Security is a big deal for children. If a child feels safe in their adult relationships, they are more likely to feel safe in attempting new friendships with their peers (source). Come for a tour and meet our warm, consistent teachers here at Lily Pad Childcare and to see how we can be an excellent support to your preschooler’s early childhood education.
2) Play Time
Peer play is social “gym class” for children. Playing together provides an endless amount of practice with negotiation, cooperation, and learning to understand others. The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees that child-led play is vital for development, especially within early childhood education. Here at Lily Pad Childcare, we protect free play time and incorporate play into our daily schedules and learning. Call today to inquire about classroom openings and daily schedules!
3) Intentional Teaching
Preschoolers are like sponges–absorbing what they hear and see and holding onto it until given the opportunity to share what they’ve absorbed. In modeling proper and friendly language and responses, teachers, parents, caregivers, and alike will guide children in their future interactions. Research supports that, basically, children in early childhood education will mimic what they see and hear; So be intentional with their exposure!
Come observe our morning circle time or daily activities here at Lily Pad Childcare. Our early childhood teachers intentionally weave friendly language and quality lessons into every interaction that they can.
4) Supported Conflict
Disagreements that turn into statements like “You’re not my friend!”, are natural. While these can be highly emotional and feel like high stakes situations, they can be excellent teaching opportunities. From home to childcare or daycare, adults and teachers can help children name feelings, communicate problems, and brainstorm solutions, as shown in NAEYC’s conflict-resolution strategies.
We are not afraid of conflict here at Lily Pad Childcare–you can’t be when working with small children! Schedule a tour and chat with our teachers about how they manage conflict resolution in their classrooms and turn challenges into teachable moments.
5) Emotional Intelligence
Preschoolers are still learning what the things they are feeling are called, let alone that these emotions are normal and something to be worked through. In naming feelings and discussing coping mechanisms, children will grow in their emotional intelligence–great not only for early childhood education, but for life! A solid understanding of feelings and working through them will help set children up for stronger friendships as they grow.
Call us today hereat Lily Pad Childcare; We would love to show you and your family around our school and discuss how we teach strong emotional intelligence through stories, songs, daily routines, and conflict resolution.
The Big Picture on Friendship
Social and emotional growth is pivotal in how children learn. When quality relationships are prioritized at home, childcare, daycare, or simply encouraged with new friends at the playground, children will in turn gain focus, confidence, and academic readiness. Give your preschooler a strong start here at Lily Pad Childcare and watch friendships spark lifelong learning, and maybe even into lifelong relationships!