Children start recognizing friendships around 4 years old, and the experience of making friends varies from child to child.
While pinpointing an exact age when children make "real friends" is subjective and depends on the definition of "real," here's a breakdown of friendship development in early childhood, based on available information:
- Around 4 years old: According to research, most children can differentiate between a friend and other children they know by the age of 4. This suggests the initial recognition of special bonds and preferences starts around this age. Some children naturally form connections easily, finding energy in social interactions, while others may find such interactions overwhelming ([13-Oct-2023]).
Here's a summary table:
| Age | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Around 4 | Children begin distinguishing "my friend" from other acquaintances. |
Factors influencing friendship experiences:
- Individual Differences: Some children are naturally more outgoing and quickly form connections, while others are more reserved.
- Energy Levels: Some children thrive in group settings and gain energy from social interactions, while others find it draining.
- Definition of "Real Friend": What constitutes a "real friend" differs from person to person. For a young child, it might simply mean someone they enjoy playing with.
