• Why Friendship Matters

    "The favorite childhood memories of many adults involve friends — in a sense, friendship is what childhood is all about," writes Eileen Kennedy-Moore in Work & Family Life (October 2011).  She continues to describe the importance of helping children develop friendships...

    "Friendships are not only a source of fun, they help kids grow in meaningful ways.  They create a sense of belonging through shared interests: 'my friends and I like this kind of music…' or 'we play soccer.'  Friendships can provide acceptance and help children feel good about themselves:  'Michelle is my friend and she wants to play with me.'  Having friends also makes it easier for kids to tolerate stress, rebuffs, or aggravation.  And friendship encourages children to go beyond their own self-interest.  Caring about a friend, or just wanting to play with that friend, can temper selfish urges and open the way for negotiation, compromise, and even generosity."