Where Little Friendships Begin
One of the most joyful parts of nursery life is watching friendships blossom in the early years. From the very first giggles to shared storybooks, toddlers are busy learning the building blocks of social connection. These small moments may seem simple, but they play a huge role in developing confidence, empathy, and happiness.
The Journey of Early Friendships
Stage 1: Parallel Play
In the toddler years, children often play side by side without interacting directly. This stage, known as parallel play, might not look like friendship, but it is the beginning of learning to be with others. Simply sitting close by helps children feel safe, secure, and included.
Stage 2: Noticing and Imitating
Soon, toddlers begin to notice what others are doing and may copy what they see, such as stacking blocks in the same way, singing a familiar line of a song, or clapping along. This imitation is a powerful step toward shared play and early social learning.
Stage 3: Simple Interactions
As confidence grows, children begin to share toys, take turns, and enjoy simple games like peek-a-boo or rolling a ball back and forth. These joyful exchanges mark the beginning of true friendship, where fun and trust start to take shape.
Stage 4: Group Play and Cooperation
Eventually, toddlers move into small group play. They begin joining in imaginative games, building together, and showing care for one another. These moments are where teamwork, empathy, and communication truly begin to shine—skills that will serve them well throughout life.
The Role of Parents in Supporting Early Bonds
It is natural for parents to wonder if their child is doing well when they do not immediately play with others. But building friendships takes time. Children are only just beginning to understand what it means to connect, share, and cooperate. Giving them time and space to develop these skills at their own pace is one of the best things you can do. Every child’s journey is unique. Some will observe quietly before joining in, while others jump straight into play with their peers. With patience, encouragement, and plenty of opportunities to interact, these early bonds will gently grow.
EYFS and the Importance of Friendships
Friendship is something that develops naturally in nurseries every day, but it also sits at the heart of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Under Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED), children are supported to build meaningful relationships, understand feelings, and develop confidence within a community.
Through friendship and play, children learn to develop self-confidence by joining in with peers. They begin to recognise and respond to others’ feelings, fostering empathy. They practice sharing and taking turns, which are essential for school readiness. They also learn to build positive relationships with both adults and children in a safe and caring setting.
These early experiences give children the emotional grounding and social understanding they need for future learning and wellbeing.
How Play Builds Nursery Friendships
Play is the natural language of young children, and it is through play that friendships truly flourish. Different types of play support different aspects of social growth. Imaginative play, such as pretending to cook or acting out stories, encourages cooperation and shared roles. Construction play, like building with blocks or creating sandcastles, helps children learn teamwork and problem-solving. Outdoor play gives children space to run, climb, and explore together, building trust and shared adventure. Creative play, including painting, music, and dance, allows children to bond over joy and self-expression.
At nursery, these play opportunities are carefully planned to help friendships develop naturally in a space where every child feels included and valued.
How We Support Friendships at Nursery
At Footsteps, our practitioners play an important role in helping friendships grow. We know that social skills do not appear overnight. They are nurtured through example, encouragement, and gentle guidance.
We create small group activities that invite teamwork and cooperation. We model kind words, sharing, and caring behaviours in our daily routines. We help children learn to resolve small disagreements calmly and fairly. We encourage quieter children to find their voice and feel part of the group. Most of all, we celebrate those heartwarming moments when a child offers to share a toy, comforts a friend, or laughs together during play.
By nurturing these connections, we help children build positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging. This approach, which aligns with EYFS principles, ensures that every child feels valued and confident as they grow and learn alongside their friends.
Why Early Friendships Matter
Even though toddler friendships can be fleeting, the lessons they teach last a lifetime. Early bonds help children communicate and express themselves effectively. They develop resilience when things do not go as planned. They learn to understand and manage their emotions, which builds emotional wellbeing. Most importantly, they begin to feel secure and confident in social settings, ready for school and beyond.
At Footsteps, we see these moments every day-a kind gesture, a burst of shared laughter, or two toddlers holding hands on the playground. They remind us that friendship in the early years is not just about play. It is about learning how to belong, how to care, and how to grow together.
