POLOKWANE – The first month of the school year is wrapping up, and learners are settling in nicely.

Educational psychologist Asnath Mojapelo highlights the importance of friendships in childhood development. “Friendships are more than just playdates. They’re the building blocks for social and emotional growth,” Mojapelo explained.

Friendships help children develop into confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals, setting them up for success, she added.

“Friendships give children a sense of belonging, comfort, and support, and having a friend who listens or plays with them makes a child feel seen and valued. They also help kids develop essential social skills like empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution.”

How can caregivers encourage friendships?

• Provide opportunities for play: Unstructured play time gives children the freedom to connect naturally, so make time for a visit to the discovery centre.

• Model kindness: Children often mirror the behaviours of the adults around them, so showing them the right way to treat others helps them do the same.

• Talk about feelings: Helping children name and express emotions can strengthen their ability to connect with others.

• Celebrate differences: Friendships grow strong when children learn to appreciate what makes each person unique.

• Encourage field trips: As teachers, plan a field trip that allows children to learn and explore freely. As parents, allow your children to enjoy these field trips with their peers.

“By nurturing friendships, together we can help children grow into happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals.”