Friends

Probably one of the biggest changes in children aged 5 to 11 is the increasing importance of peers. This is shown by the emergence of a best friend. Cross cultural studies show that the emergence of a best friend and the belief that a best friend is important, are universal features of a school aged child’s social development. Friendships contribute to the development of trust and sensitivity.

When asked how people make friends, preschoolers usually answer by focussing on playing or spending physical time together. However, this view of friendship changes in later childhood to one in which the key concept appears to be reciprocal trust. In other words older children tend to see friends as special people who have qualities that are desired and admired, who are kind and generous to each other and who help and trust one another. As a result older children tend to view actions such as not helping others when needed, gossiping behind peoples backs or breaking promises as a violation of trust and a serious breach of friendship.