Article verified by the Tequesta pedagogical team, based on daily work with children aged 1.5–6 years at our bilingual preschool in Warsaw.
The first years of a child’s life are a time of intensive discovery of the social world. Preschool often becomes the place where the first real friendships appear. It is there that children learn cooperation, sharing, resolving conflicts, and noticing the emotions of others.
Although relationships between preschoolers may seem simple, they are in fact a very important stage in social and emotional development. At Tequesta preschool, we see this every day – and we know that first friendships in preschool are not just fond memories, but the foundation on which a child builds all their future relationships with others.
First Steps in Building Relationships
For many children, preschool is the first environment where they meet a larger group of peers every day. At the beginning, relationships are mainly based on shared play. Children observe one another, imitate the behavior of their classmates, and learn how to function in a group.
Building with blocks together, engaging in pretend play, or drawing at the same table naturally create opportunities for making connections. It is in these everyday moments that the first sympathies and friendships are formed.
A child begins to notice that relationships with others can bring joy, support, and a sense of belonging.
Play as a School of Cooperation
For preschoolers, play is the most important way of exploring the world. Shared activities teach children that for play to be enjoyable, certain rules are necessary. They need to wait for their turn, share a toy, or agree together on how the game will proceed.
Such situations develop social skills in a natural and unforced way. Children gradually learn to negotiate, communicate their needs, and respond to the needs of others.
Through these experiences, they begin to understand that a relationship is more than simply being next to someone. It also involves cooperation and mutual respect.
Developing Empathy in Everyday Situations
Empathy does not appear suddenly – it develops gradually through experience. Preschool offers many opportunities for shaping this ability. A child notices that a friend may feel sad when something does not go well or happy when they receive praise from a teacher.
Observing the emotions of other children helps them better understand how others feel. Over time, preschoolers begin to react spontaneously – they comfort a friend, offer help, or invite someone to join their play.
These small gestures are the first steps in building empathetic relationships. At Tequesta preschool, teachers deliberately create situations that encourage empathy – from shared art projects to circle time, where every child has the opportunity to share how they are feeling and what brings them joy or sadness.
Conflicts as an Important Lesson
Relationships between children are not always easy. Disagreements about toys, seats at the table, or the rules of a game are a natural part of group life. Although they may seem difficult, they are an important lesson in problem-solving.
Children learn to express their emotions, listen to the other side, and look for solutions that are acceptable to both parties. The supportive presence of a teacher helps them name their feelings and find a way to resolve the conflict.
Thanks to this, preschoolers gradually gain the skills needed to build healthy relationships in the future.
The Role of Teachers in Building Relationships
Teachers in preschool play an important role in creating an atmosphere that encourages friendship. They build a space where every child can feel safe and accepted.
Through conversations about emotions, shared activities, and work in small groups, teachers help children develop social skills. They also support children in difficult moments, showing them how to resolve conflicts and treat one another with respect.
In this way, children learn that relationships require attention and care.
The Foundation of Future Relationships
The first friendships formed in preschool often remain in children’s memories for a long time. Even if they do not last for many years, the experiences from this period have a significant impact on a child’s development.
It is during this time that children discover how important trust, cooperation, and mutual support are. They also learn that emotions – both their own and those of others – deserve attention and understanding.
Preschool therefore becomes a place where children not only gain knowledge and new skills, but also build the foundations of relationships that will accompany them throughout their lives.
FAQ – frequently asked questions
When do children start forming their first friendships? The first peer relationships appear around the age of two to three, though they are mainly play-based and tend to be changeable. More lasting friendships begin to develop between the ages of four and six, as children develop a better understanding of others' needs.
What should I do if my child is not making friends at preschool? It is worth speaking with the class teacher first – they observe your child every day and may be able to identify the cause. At home, practising social skills through role play and organising playdates outside of preschool can be very helpful.
Should adults intervene in conflicts between children? Not always. Minor disputes are a natural part of learning how to relate to others. What matters is being present, helping the child name their emotions, and guiding them – without resolving the situation for them.
How can I develop empathy in a preschool-aged child? Through conversations about emotions, reading books about friendship together, modelling empathetic behaviour at home, and acknowledging every caring gesture your child shows towards others.
What role does preschool play in developing social skills? Preschool is the first environment where a child learns to live within a group outside the family. A good preschool actively supports relationships between children – through integration activities, conflict resolution practice, and building an atmosphere of mutual respect.
