For a child, preschool is not only a place for learning and play, but above all a space for their first, independent social interactions. It is here, among peers, that first friendships are born—sometimes turbulent, sometimes fragile, but always important. At Tequesta, we believe that building healthy relationships is not a talent reserved for the few, but a skill that can—and should—be developed from an early age.
Why are preschool friendships so important?
Children learn through relationships. In interactions with peers, they discover what cooperation, compromise, shared play—but also conflict, jealousy, or the need for forgiveness—really mean. It is through these relationships that a child develops empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to express emotions.
Early friendships also shape a child’s self-image. A preschooler who feels liked and accepted by others builds a positive sense of self-worth. What’s more, social experiences in preschool often shape the way a child will build relationships in the future—at school, at work, and throughout adult life.
What do preschool friendships look like?
At preschool age, friendships often revolve around shared play. Children may say someone is their “best friend” because they built a block castle together or sat at the same table. These relationships can be fluid—today best friends, tomorrow “I don’t like you,” and the day after that, back to playing together. And that’s perfectly natural.
Over time, children start to notice differences between themselves, learn to resolve conflicts, and share space and toys. This is a difficult but incredibly valuable lesson in social life. The role of adults is not to avoid challenging situations, but to accompany children as they experience them and support them in finding solutions.
The role of teachers and caregivers
At Tequesta, we treat social development with the same importance as intellectual development. That’s why we observe children's interactions daily and help them build relationships on healthy foundations.
We support children in:
- naming emotions — “I see you’re sad because Kacper didn’t want to play today”;
- resolving conflicts — through conversation, negotiation, and turn-taking;
- building empathy — “Look how happy Ola was when you gave her a hug”;
- understanding boundaries — teaching that it’s okay to say no to play and that everyone has the right to their own space.
We regularly introduce integration games, group projects, and conversations about emotions. We show that everyone is important—even if they are different, quieter, or more withdrawn. This helps children learn that diversity is a strength, not a barrier to connection.
How can parents support their child’s friendships?
Although children form most of their relationships at preschool, parents play a huge role in building social skills. Here are a few suggestions to try at home:
Talk about emotions and relationships
Ask questions like: “Who did you play with today?”, “What made you happy?”, “Did anything upset you?” Help your child recognize what they’re feeling and what others might be feeling too.
Model social behavior
Children learn by observing. When they see their parents showing respect, apologizing, helping each other—they absorb those behaviors.
Organize playdates with peers
Time spent together outside of preschool strengthens bonds. In the comfort of home, children may feel more confident and find it easier to connect.
Support without forcing
Don’t pressure your child to play with a specific person or judge their friendships. Respect their choices, even if they don’t align with your expectations.
What to do if your child struggles with forming relationships?
Not every child builds close bonds right away. Some need more time; others need help with communication or overcoming shyness. At Tequesta, we observe such situations carefully and implement individual support strategies—from gentle encouragement to pair play and psychological support.
At home, it’s worth:
- avoiding labels like “he’s just shy”;
- praising even the smallest attempts to connect with others;
- practicing role-plays and dialogues during play;
- reading books about friendship and discussing the characters.
Friendship is a process, not a product
Children’s relationships evolve and mature over time. There’s no need to rush or control this process. What’s important is to create space for your child to experience, try, make mistakes—and learn from them.
At Tequesta, we see every day that children who can form respectful and trusting relationships feel stronger, more confident, and… happier. Because preschool friendship isn’t just about play—it’s the foundation of healthy social development that pays off for a lifetime.
