Thought of the Week

‘Friends’ - written by Trace Moroney author of “The Things I Love About Friends”.

“Friendship is a sense of connectedness where each person feels the others warmth, kindness, compassion, cooperation, love, understanding, and genuineness. Friendships have a significant impact on our psychological wellbeing and, with positive quality friendships, we live longer, healthier and happier lives!

Peer relationships are important to children’s development, and not only provide a supportive framework in which they can share ideas, interests, and feelings - but through these interactions children learn valuable social skills.

Studies suggest that children who have secure attachments with their parents/caregivers have better quality friendships. As parents/caregivers, we can help our children develop positive peer relationships by fostering: empathy (ability to consider another’s perspective); good verbal/communication skills; impulse control/emotional self-control; kindness (willingness to help others, compromise, share); and... lots of fun, laughter and happiness!”