Evidence  

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5447081/ 

Norbert Zmyj, Sarah Witt, Almut Weitkämper, Helmut Neumann, and Thomas Lücke 

Preterm birth is a major risk factor for children’s development. It affects preterm children’s motor development and somatic health, as well as their cognitive and intellectual development. Impairments in IQ, executive functions, and well-being are related to a preterm birth and these problems persist into adulthood. While these factors of preterm children’s intellectual and cognitive development have been studied in detail, their social development and social-cognitive competencies have received less attention. This lesser interest in social-cognitive development is surprising, as preterm children face problems not only in their intellectual development but also in social interaction. 

Education 

Making friends and sustaining friendships are important aspects of social development for preschool-aged children, typically between the ages of 3 to 5 years old. During this stage, children begin to explore and navigate social interactions, forming early friendships that helps them feel happy and confident.  

Encourage playtime together by setting up times for your child to play with other children their age, at playdates, preschool or community events. These activities help them learn to share, take turns and work together, which are the building blocks of friendship. 

Children learn by watching what adults do. Be a role model by showing kindness, being a good listener and talking nicely to others. Teach them how to say hello, start a conversation and solve problems calmly, so they can do the same with their friends. 

Help your child understand how others might be feeling. Talk about different emotions, point out how people look when they’re happy or sad and explain why it’s important to be kind and respect everyone’s differences. 

Practice important social skills with your child, like waiting for their turn, listening to others, and understanding personal space. You can make this fun by telling stories, playing games or acting out different situations. Praise them when they show good behaviour and communicate well with other children. 

Empowerment  

By providing opportunities for social interaction, modelling positive social behaviours, teaching essential social skills and creating a supportive and inclusive environment, parents, caregivers and educators can help preschool-aged children develop the social skills and confidence needed to make friends and sustain meaningful friendships during this important stage of development. 

Useful Links 

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby 

https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/how-children-make-friends 

Raising Children 

https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/behaviour/friends-siblings/preschoolers-making-friends 

First Five Years 

https://www.firstfiveyears.org.au/child-development/making-friends-how-to-help-your-child 

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