January 2024 ~ Friends are very important to children’s healthy development. Friendships provide children with more than just fun playmates. They help them develop emotionally and morally. When interacting with friends, children learn many social skills, such as how to communicate, cooperate, and solve problems. They practice controlling their emotions and responding to the emotions of others. They develop the ability to think through and negotiate different situations that arise in their relationships. Parents can do a lot to help their child make and keep friends as many of the skills involved can be learned at home with family.