International Day of Friendship has been celebrated since 2011.  The idea is to not only connect people; but also bridge the gap among cultures, countries, and ideologies.  One of the best things about friendship is it will have a different meaning for everyone since the bond that’s created is unique.

A good friend is someone who’s always there for you, but it takes practice to become one.  Being kind, trustworthy, and a good listener are some of the important traits to being a good friend.  A great way to assist children in this area is to, “help draw the connection between their kind, cooperative behavior and friendship.”

Believe it or not, unstructured time (or free play) is an excellent way to give children the chance to explore, create, and discover while also building emotional intelligence.  “It encourages children to take turns, share, negotiate, hear others, develop scenarios, and problem-solve together.  This child-led experience allows children to learn among peers and from their peers.”

At Bloomingdale Day Care, pods (or stations) are set up in the classrooms for younger students in the Seeds and Sprouts program.  Areas of the room are filled with different materials for the children to check out, designed to foster their need to move and explore.  One pod may have items that make sounds, while another is set up with books and photographs to look at.

Children in our Preschool center, or the Blossoms program, are organized based on their Kindergarten group of peers.  Learning Centers are arranged throughout the classroom that the students learn to check in and out of, which encourages taking turns and selecting different experiences.  During the summer months (mid-June through August), these students shift to our fun and educational summer camp program, giving them even more time to get to know and learn from their peers.

Keep in mind, social skills are developed from toddler-age through teenage years.  Their journey to becoming a good friend will be filled with ups and down, gaining and losing friends along the way.  It’s important to remember, “we are not our children, but our children’s guide along this journey…”

Shoutout to the United Nations for designating this a holiday and reminding us that there is still good in the world!  Be sure to take a moment today to express gratitude for the friendships in your life, and remember- there’s always room to become a better friend!  Happy International Day of Friendship!