Two children on the meadow, laughing at each other and holding each other.

The importance of friendships for children

Friends are much more than just playmates for children – they are crucial for their emotional, social and cognitive development. Even at an early age, children begin to learn important skills through contact with their peers: they experience cohesion, resolve conflicts and develop empathy. It is therefore particularly important for parents to recognize the importance of friendships and to support their child in building and maintaining social bonds.

The role of friendships in child development

Friendships have many positive effects on children’s lives that go far beyond playing and running around together. Friends offer children a sense of belonging and understanding outside of the family, which is particularly important in stressful or challenging times. This support helps them to cope better with the ups and downs of everyday life.

By interacting with others, children learn important social skills such as communication, willingness to compromise and empathy. They learn how to resolve conflicts, express their own needs and at the same time show consideration for the needs of others. This is an indispensable foundation for a healthy social life in adulthood.

Friendships also help children to develop their own identity. By interacting with their peers, they recognize what they like, how they want to express themselves and what role they play in a group. These experiences are essential for the growth of a positive self-image – this is how self-confidence and identity develop. Children also learn the ability to cooperate with others and work as part of a team, whether building a sandcastle or playing sport together. These skills are not only important for success at school, but also for later professional life.

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Making friends - how to promote your children's social skills

Parents play an important role in the development of their children’s social skills. You can consciously support your children in making and maintaining friendships.

  1. Create social opportunities: Give your child the opportunity to socialize with other children. Playgrounds, toddler or play groups, sports clubs and other group activities are ideal for this. This allows your child to develop friendships naturally.
  2. Parents are role models: Children learn a lot by observing. Show your children how healthy relationships work and involve them whenever possible. Excursions, games evenings or cooking together with family friends are good ways to show children how society works.
  3. Talk openly about feelings: Talk to your child about their feelings – both about positive and negative experiences in friendships. When things are discussed, children can understand conflicts and find solutions instead of simply ignoring problems. In this way, your child learns how to cope with difficult social situations.
  4. Encourage independence: Let your child make their own decisions when it comes to their friendships. They should learn to decide for themselves who they want to spend time with. This not only promotes self-confidence, but also gives your child the freedom to have their own social experiences.






Friendships are an essential part of child development and contribute to emotional, social and cognitive maturation. As parents, you can support your children by helping them to learn social skills and maintain friendships. By creating opportunities, talking openly about feelings and encouraging independence, you as parents can make a positive contribution to your children’s social development. In this way, your children will find friendships that may last a lifetime.

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