Psychologists and scientists agree that strong familial bonding, during early childhood, is a cornerstone for young kids forming better friendships beyond the confines of the family circle. By encouraging friendships among participants in Gaithersburg preschool programs, administrators and staff at the centers ensure the young children in their care are major beneficiaries of those principles of bonding. In more ways than one, these young minds learn friendship and bonding lessons that they then apply through the rest of their lives.

Planting the Seeds of Building Friendships 

Although early childhood educators further cultivate and grow the love of forging friendships and bonds amongst kids, it all starts at home. According to researcher Nancy McElwain of the University of Illinois:

“In a secure, emotionally open mother-child relationship, children develop a more positive, less biased understanding of others, which then promotes more positive friendships during the early school years…”

No one understands the value of building childhood friendships better than the qualified and experienced staff at Gaithersburg daycare centers. Teachers and caregivers understand that it is important for kids in their care to perceive them (the caregivers) as dependable, trusting allies. It is in that context, then, that children feel safe within the preschool environment – which becomes an extension of the secure familial setting. Kids then feel encouraged and empowered to explore their “new” world and form additional bonds and friendship.

Why Friendships Matter

Strong friendships among young kids gives children a sense of belonging within environments beyond their immediate family.  Participants at Gaithersburg summer camp activities, for example, engage in group and team events that help forge friendly ties with other participants. And, as these activities help kids develop those friendships, they are also instrumental in building the child’s self-esteem.

Like with adults, kids who have a circle of trusting friends, are more likely to develop better social skills than those who don’t forge those bonds. Introverts – or “loners” – typically grow up to embrace social isolation. Youngsters, who learned the art of cultivating friendships at an early age, often succeed (and even excel!) during their time at Gaithersburg elementary school.  Those who weren’t encouraged to make friends during their pre-schooling years, on the other hand, often feel socially awkward in class or later, in higher educational settings.

Beyond Schooling and Early Learning Years

The art of making friends is also critical to success later in life. In their professional lives, friend-makers often find it easier to network and get ahead in their careers. They’ll often use the bonding skills, initially learned at home, and encouraged during their years at Gaithersburg daycare and elementary schooling, to create professional networks that steer them through challenging professional situations.

When young kids are encouraged to make friends during early childhood learning, they also use those skills in their personal relationships. Communication, collaboration, and cooperation with others – beyond their familial or professional circles – helps friend-makers more easily integrate into broader society. Without that encouragement, kids, once they grow-up, find it challenging to assimilate and integrate into the communities they live in.

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