At age 12, you should aim to have a good group of friends, and according to research, children this age typically have between 10 to 20 friends.
Understanding Friendships at Age 12
During childhood and early adolescence (ages 5-12), friendships are abundant and often change rapidly. This is a time when you will likely have many friends, potentially from school, the neighborhood, or through different activities.
Why the Number Varies
- School Connections: Many friendships stem from classmates and school-related interactions.
- Neighborhood Friends: Living nearby and frequently playing with neighborhood kids often leads to friendships.
- Extracurricular Activities: Hobbies, sports, and other activities create opportunities to meet new people and form friendships.
Key Points About Friendships at This Age
- Friendships are common and numerous during this phase of life.
- Friendship circles might change quite frequently as interests and activities evolve.
- It is normal to have many acquaintances that are considered friends.
- The quality of friendships is as important as the quantity.
Practical Insights
Rather than focusing solely on the number of friends, it’s helpful to remember:
- Quality Over Quantity: It's better to have a few close friends you trust than many superficial ones.
- Shared Interests: Look for friends who enjoy similar activities.
- Mutual Respect: Friendships should be built on kindness and respect.
Having a large network of friends is common and normal at 12, and it’s important to focus on building good, positive relationships with the people you spend your time with.
