Hudson Community First: Speaker - Meghan Barlow

Growing Friendships: Understanding and Supporting Young Children's Social Development Friendships are an important part of early childhood, but young students are just learning what it means to be a friend. This talk will help parents understand the typical development of young friendships, which qualities and skills help children to make and keep friends, and how parents can help their children navigate social challenges. We will explore how friendships develop in preschool and kindergarten, the types of conflict frequently seen in early elementary school friendships, and common strategies for resolving conflicts at this age. While conflict is a normal and healthy part of relationships, we will also discuss how individual factors like a child's ability to self-regulate impacts their social skills and what parents can do to help them improve these skills. Further, Dr. Barlow will offer parents guidance regarding their role in helping their children navigate friendships including when to step in and help solve the problem and when to step back.