Friendship

What lessons about friendship can we learn from a preschool child?

I had opportunity lately to reflect on friendships when I moved from being in close proximity to some of my friends. I’ve seen friendships develop in preschool and continue into adulthood. I have friendships of my own that started in grade school. I’ve also known people who were “my friends” and are no longer.

Everything I know about friends I learned as a preschool teacher. Young children are my window into friendships simplified.

1. Friendships are based on common interests. If you don’t like the same thing you are not friends.
2. Conversely, opposites can attract and a balanced friendship can bloom.
3. You can be friends one minute and enemies the next and friends again just like that. True friends let this happen and don’t judge why.
4. Best friends eliminate drama, because they really want to keep playing together.
5. Forever friends are the friends you don’t see for a while and when you do see each other again, you scream, hug and pick up where you left off without skipping a beat. I’ve seen this in young children who are separated for a week due to illness or family vacation. The reunions are joyous.
6. Friends ask you to play even if you don’t ask them. Sometimes they just silently join you.
7. Friends like your stuff, even if you don’t.
8. They support you in doing something silly, adventurous or off beat but advise you not to do something dangerous.
9. Friends never covet your stuff, they share yours and theirs.
10. Good friends are happy for your happiness, even if they don’t understand why you are happy! They are happy because you are happy.
11. Friends allow other people to be a part of your friendship.
12. They give you non-monetary gifts whenever you are together.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Go spend time with a friend.