A message from the Acting Head of Primary School
Friendships: Helping Children Connect, Grow and Thrive
The beginning of the school year is a particularly important time for children as they form new connections, reconnect with peers and establish friendship groups. Friendships are one of the most significant parts of primary school life. Through these relationships, children learn how to communicate, cooperate, manage emotions and resolve conflict.
There are several ways that parents can support their children to develop friendships:
Initiating conversation - Some children naturally find it easy to connect with others, while many need support building confidence. Parents can assist by teaching children how to initiate and maintain contact. Encourage your child to:
- Say a friendly “hello” and use someone’s name
- Ask open-ended questions such as “What are you playing?” or “Can I join in?”
- Share their own interests to find common ground
These small social steps can make a big difference in helping children feel included and connected.
Shared interests - Fostering shared interests is also powerful. Involvement in clubs, sport, music or other activities provides natural opportunities for children to meet peers with similar passions.
Emotional Regulation - Friendships can sometimes feel intense in the primary years. Supporting children to recognise and manage their emotions helps them respond calmly in social situations. Help your child to practise strategies such as pausing, taking deep breaths and using respectful words equips children to navigate challenges more successfully.
Model positive, respectful relationships – be conscious of how you interact with others when your children are around. Be sure your own interactions provide a strong example of how healthy friendships look and sound.
Facilitating playdates – this offers valuable opportunities for children to connect with new friends in a smaller, manageable setting.
Conflict Resolution: Managing “Friendship Fires” - Disagreements are a normal part of any relationship. We often describe these moments as “friendship fires”. When your child describes a ‘friendship fire’ let them know that all friends have disagreements at times and coach them through the best way to respond.
By working together, families and school can support children to develop the skills they need to build, maintain and repair friendships. These foundations not only strengthen their primary school experience but also prepare them for healthy relationships in the years ahead.
Kind regards
Mark Pressley
Acting Head of Primary School
